Five vulnerable youths whom the High Court has ordered should be in special care cannot get beds. Children between 11 and 17 may be detained in special care where their behaviour poses a risk to them or people around them. However, just 15 of the 26 special care beds are open due to severe challenges recruiting and retaining staff. In the last year, the court heard, the Garda had been called to 38 incidents involving the teenager which included attempted suicide, criminal damage and assault. There were several cases where children were deemed ready to leave but for whom onward placements could not be sourced by Tusla.

Source: The Irish Times March 03, 2026 17:02 UTC