Judge Flags Concern Over Welfare Of Some Children In Care

Monday, 17 July 2023 10:38

By Caoimhe Harney

Two months ago, Judge Simms, sent a detailed letter accompanied by related documents after he had been told in court by Tusla, of an "unprecedented crisis" facing it.

A Dublin District Court judge has written to numerous Government ministers and other State agencies expressing his "utmost concern" over the welfare of some children in care, and the likelihood of future legal challenges as a result of what he described as current "systemic" shortcomings.

According to the Child Law Project, Judge Dermot Simms sent a letter in May, accompanied by six reports, to four ministers, a number of relevant State bodies and an Oireachtas committee calling for immediate and coordinated action to remedy the current crisis.

The Child Law Project publishes regular reports from the courts regarding child protection orders and reports on the nature and outcomes of proceedings.

The latest volume comprises 67 reports and a letter from a district court judge expressing concerns.

Two months ago, Judge Simms, who has since retired, sent the detailed letter accompanied by related documents after he had been told in court by Tusla, of an "unprecedented crisis" facing it.

This has been caused primarily by a lack of properly regulated suitable placements for foster care, residential placements and special care, as well as unfilled posts in the Child and Family Agency due to a shortage of qualified personnel and staff retention issues.

CEO of the Child Law Project Dr Maria Corbett outlines the Judge Simms' concerns:

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