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Report describes State care system as 'traumatising'
A new report says the mental health needs of children in State care are not being met and has described the system as "traumatised and traumatising".
The 'Someone to Care' report by the Children's Mental Health Coalition has found that multiple placements and a lack of coordination between state agencies means children find it hard to develop trusting relationships.
It is calling for the establishment of a common assessment framework to monitor the mental health needs of children.
The Children's Mental Health Coalition carried out the study because it says a number of shocking reports have documented Irelands failures towards children in care.
It looked at the experiences of 8 young people in care and the professionals who dealt with them. These professionals described a "traumatised and traumatising system".
The report says too many placements, coupled with a lack of joined up thinking between state agencies mean children find it hard to develop trusting relationships.
The Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald says there are only a small number who have experienced multiple placements but acknowledged this has to change.
"The vast majority of children in care have stable placements, but there is a small group who have multiple placements and we have to focus on that group and reduce the number of placements which they have" she said.
The report has made a number of recommendations – among them is the establishment of a common assessment framework to monitor the mental health needs of children.
Chairperson of the Children's Mental Health Coalition Orla Barry says the mental health issues of young people can present in a number of ways.
Louise Kelly
11 July 2013
http://www.newstalk.ie/Report-describes-State-care-system-as-traumatising
