Press Releases

Published date: 20 May 2025

Special Care Review provides a roadmap for the provision of care for the most vulnerable children

The Children’s Rights Alliance today welcomed the publication of Tusla’s Expert Review on Special Care. The Review was commissioned by Tusla to help it understand the needs of children requiring special care and understand better how to provide support. The Report makes a series of recommendations that could result in far reaching changes for some of Ireland’s most vulnerable children.

Responding to the concerns raised by the Review, Tanya Ward, Chief Executive of the Children’s Rights Alliance said:
“Critical challenges in capacity and staffing have resulted in only 14 of the 26 Special Care beds operational. The Review found that across those three sites, full capacity has never been reached. Clearly there is a need for a different approach. We welcome the proposed model of one, dedicated Centre of Excellence and high support units in the community that could unify service delivery and utilise resources more effectively.”

“Special Care is only ever meant to be a temporary measure, used as a last resort intervention to help stabilise a child. Instead, the Report finds that many young people are placed in Special Care because there is no other placement available. Children with complex needs, require high support in community settings or step-down facilities after special care, rather than remaining in Special Care for a protracted length of time.”

“We are concerned that the Review has found that Special Care has become a ‘de facto’ placement option with some children being detained up to two years. This is startling given that these young people are being deprived of their liberty and have not been convicted of any crime. It is crucial that decisions on placing children in Special Care take account of a children’s rights approach. Deprivation of liberty needs to be a measure of last resort,” continued Tanya Ward.

“It is clear from the Review that children in Special Care placements are not getting a sufficient therapeutic intervention that would support them through their current circumstance. This is deeply disappointing and a missed opportunity. Special Care and high support units in the community should have access to the most senior, expert personnel who can ensure the best therapeutic and health supports are provided. The Review calls for a consultation with children and young people who have gone through Special Care. This is an important priority for us and would help build a better support framework for young people currently in state care.”

“It has nearly been a week since the Daniel McAnaspie inquest. Daniel was refused access to Special Care and experienced a tumultuous journey through a litany of different placements, before he was murdered at the age of 17. Daniel’s death could have been prevented if he got the right interventions and support that he needed. Daniel had a very difficult childhood, having experienced poverty, neglect, profound loss and poor access to schooling. There are many more Daniels in our communities that need our help. This Review provides a roadmap to provide that support.”

“The Government has committed to developing a national plan on alternative care to include a short-term action plan addressing current issues in accessing appropriate care places. Today’s Report is a stark reminder that action needs to happen now on this commitment. We urge the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make this a priority in year one of this Government and establish an inter-departmental committee to drive cross-government action and they can start with these recommendations and ensure children receive the support they need.”

“We call on the Oireachtas Committee on Children and Equality to put a special focus on children like Daniel and to look to support the implementation of recommendations from this Report,” concluded Tanya Ward.

_ENDS_

For media queries, contact: Gillian or Emma: [email protected] / 087 9971410

Notes to Editors:

•  Tanya Ward, Chief Executive of Children’s Rights Alliance is available for media interviews.
• The External Review Group was commissioned by the Child and Family Agency – Tusla to examine special care services in Ireland, which provide secure therapeutic intervention for children between the ages of 11 and 17 years who meet specific eligibility criteria and are subject to High Court orders.
• The Report of the External Review Group on Special Care can be found here.

About the Children’s Rights Alliance
Founded in 1995, the Children’s Rights Alliance unites over 150 members working together to make Ireland one of the best places in the world to be a child. Further information is available at: www.childrensrights.ie