Self-harming girl, 13, on streets with alleged abuser due to lack of secure unit
The Child and Family Agency has told the High Court there is currently no secure placement available to meet the needs of a volatile and disruptive 13-year-old girl in care.
The girl, who has self harmed, assaulted staff and engaged in property damage, was approved for special care last month but remains on a waiting list with seven other children.
According to the girl's guardian ad litem, the 13-year-old was taken into secure care last year after exhibiting very extreme behaviour including self harm and fire setting.
The court heard she responded well to the secure environment but reverted to her old behaviour and even assaulted staff when she was transferred to a step down unit last October.
Things deteriorated further and she ended up in emergency hostel accommodation two nights this week which meant she was on the streets by day – and in the company of a man who allegedly sexually abused her.
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, agrees the girl should be in secure care but unfortunately there is currently no place for the teenager - and they don't know when one will become available.
In the meantime, the teenager will stay in a care unit overseen by a psychologist and social worker.
