Tusla Referrals 2024: Record Highs & Concerns
Tusla Reports Rise in Children Entering care,Focus on Complex Needs and Staffing
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Ireland’s child and family agency,Tusla,saw an increase in the number of children entering care in 2024,while together reporting improvements in staff retention and foster carer recruitment. However, challenges remain, particularly in providing specialized care for children with complex needs.
Increasing Demand for Child Protection Services
Last year,916 children were taken into care,with 604 entering the system for the first time. This figure underscores the continued demand for child protection services across the country. Demand remains high for all types of care – foster care, mainstream residential care, and specialized care facilities.Tusla acknowledges a growing trend: an increasing number of children and young people presenting with “significant and complex needs,” frequently enough related to mental health challenges and risks of sexual or criminal exploitation.This complexity necessitates a higher level of support and specialized resources.
staffing and recruitment Efforts Show Positive Signs
Despite ongoing concerns about staff burnout, Tusla reported a 93% overall staff retention rate, up from 91.1% the previous year. Social work retention specifically rose to 91.5% from 87% in January 2024. These improvements are attributed to targeted initiatives aimed at supporting and retaining staff.
A new National Fostering Recruitment Team proved prosperous, approving 244 new foster carers – a 21% increase from the 173 approved in 2023. Currently, almost 88% of the 5,700+ children in care are placed in foster homes.
To address challenges in special care, Tusla, in collaboration with the Department of Children, Disability, and Equality, introduced an enhanced “Special Care Worker” grade.this strategic move aims to strengthen the delivery of special care services and attract specialist professionals. The opening of an additional special care bed represents a tangible expansion in capacity, with recruitment under the new grade now underway.
Challenges in Special Care and Missing Unaccompanied Minors
Recruitment of specialist professionals for special care – facilities for young people with complex needs – remains a significant hurdle. Several judges have voiced “despair” over the lack of available special care beds for the most vulnerable children.
While Tusla’s CEO, Kate Duggan, stated that the agency’s data does not support the need for 70 secure care beds as some have suggested, she acknowledged the ongoing challenges in increasing capacity. Currently, only 15 children are in special care, with one requiring a significantly higher staffing ratio due to the complexity of their needs. Tusla has focused on increasing staffing within special care facilities to better meet these needs.Another area of concern is the increasing number of unaccompanied minors going missing while in State care. This is linked to a global increase in movement and a rise in young people seeking international protection in Ireland. Tusla emphasizes its obligation to promptly engage with An garda Síochána when a child goes missing. Currently, 27 young people who arrived as separated children seeking international protection remain missing.
Ms. Duggan highlighted that many of these missing young people have indicated their intention to travel onward, with Ireland not being their final destination. Though, she stressed the agency’s deep concern about the increased risk of exploitation and harm, including trafficking, faced by these vulnerable individuals.