Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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195. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which she remains satisfied regarding the availability of secure places for children deemed to be at risk from physical, psychological or sexual abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38238/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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A child may be taken into care because they are at risk of physical, psychological or sexual abuse or because they have particular needs that their parents cannot meet, even when community based family supports are provided. The decision to remove a child from the care of its parents is not one that is taken lightly.

Where the High Court deems a child is a serious risk to themselves they may order their detention, for a limited period, in a Special Care Unit. There are currently four Special Care Units located in Limerick, Cork, North and West Dublin.

The use of special care (secure care) is intended to be a short term measure. It is only intended for use where the community based alternatives are not suitable to the needs of the child. The Child Care Act 1991, as amended, places a time limit for a particular order for being detained in special care, comprising an initial period up to 3 months with a potential for 2 extensions on that order. Children in special care are expected to return to a community based residential unit or a foster care setting after their time in special care.

Tusla is actively recruiting specialised special care staff and places will increase when the full staff complement is in place.

The individual needs of children may also determine the number of children accommodated in a unit where there are children with challenging behaviour, requiring specific supervision and therapeutic input. Children in special care also have individualised educational plans.