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Below are short films of sample stories of complaints we have dealt with. Many thanks to all the young people who helped in the making of these films.

My life is now

Mark has a progressive disabling disease. He tells us his life story; his interests and issues. He demonstrates that although physically impeded, he is mentally alive. The frustration he feels is that as his friends grow more independent, he becomes more dependent. He's not complaining about it though, but he is looking for a fair deal from the local authority for the housing that he is entitled to. Multiple requests to look at his case for upgrade of facilities did not improve his situation. He made a complaint to the Ombudsman for Children's Office. The Ombudsman for Children stepped in and conducted an investigation. In it, they concluded that Mark's needs were not being met, his quality of life was severely restricted and his case was not treated fairly by the Local Authority. The OCO made a recommendation for a suitable housing solution, and also that the method of dealing with future cases like Mark's be reviewed and improved. The OCO helped Mark and his mum and now they have their rightful accommodation to suit his needs.

Caitlín's mirror

In this Ombudsman for Children clip, Caitlín talks through her experience with the OCO in helping her retain her residential support in Tramore house. She was 17 years old and living in residential care. She contacted the Ombudsman for Children's Office because she was very worried about her aftercare. She was studying for her Leaving Certificate and was due to turn 18 at which time she would have to leave the residential centre in which she had resided for nearly 10 years. She had become attached to the staff and other residents in the care facility. She expressed concerns about her ability to cope with the separation and lead a normal life without support. Under the current legislation, the HSE has the power, but is not compelled, to provide aftercare. The HSE met with the young person and agreed to keep her in care until after she had completed her Leaving Certificate exam. They also agreed to develop, in consultation with her, an appropriate aftercare plan to support her once she leaves care.