Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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250. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she is satisfied that the Child and Family Agency has capacity to comply with its statutory obligation to apply for a special care order in circumstances in which a determination has been made that a young person requires special care in view of the fact that the special care units are operating at a reduced capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49751/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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At the end of , Tusla reported that 14 children were resident in Special Care Units, representing 0.2% of the 6,095 children in care. All children in Special Care Units had an allocated social worker and a written care plan. The service is demand led and subject to orders being granted by the High Court.

Tusla has been engaged in a programme to enhance the capacity and quality of care and therapeutic supports in its special care units. In particular, a recruitment campaign is underway to allow Tusla provide an increase the number of places available. Tusla aims to have a maximum capacity of 26 places across 3 mixed gender units following the registration of special care units with HIQA under the new regulations.

A placement in Special Care requires an order from the High Court. While an application may be made to the High Court, it is important to be aware that it is possible that an order may not be granted.

Special care is used only where a young person's behaviour poses a real and substantial risk of harm to their life, health, safety, development or welfare. It is intended to be short-term, stabilising and safe care in a secure therapeutic environment, which aims to enable a child to return to a less secure placement as soon as possible based on need.