BackA report from the Ombudsman for Children provides details of Molly’s case. Molly (Names have been changed to protect anonymity) was born with Down Syndrome and severe autism, and was abandoned at birth by her biological parents. She has grown up with her foster family after being placed there when she was a baby. Molly is dependent on her foster carers in all areas of her care, including feeding, toileting, bathing, and dressing.
Molly’s foster carer made a complaint to the Ombudsman for Children’s Office about the level of supports and services being provided by Tusla and the HSE to meet her needs and support her placement.
The Ombudsman found that there was a lack of co-ordination between the two agencies which meant that services and supports provided by both organisations were insufficient.
Following the Ombudsman’s investigation Tusla committed to undertake a systemic review of the supports and services being offered to children in their care with a moderate to severe disability. They will also identify these children to the HSE to facilitate care planning and joint working for these children.
The HSE has committed to include vulnerable children in state care in their performance indicators under Progressing Disability Services, and to ensure that any assessment procedures consider their specific vulnerability as child in care.
Source: Office of the Ombudsman for Children, Ireland
