Complaint

A complaint was brought by a 16 year old boy’s former foster parent regarding his welfare and protection while in the care of the HSE. More particularly, they raised concerns about how the HSE addressed his lack of schooling, his engagement in risky behaviours and the lack of care planning and suitable and secure placement for him (including period of homelessness). The child’s foster placement had broken down 8 months previously, there were serious concerns about his welfare and safety, with long periods where he was missing from care.

Examination

This Office initiated an investigation of the complaint. During the course of the investigation, the situation for the child changed as latest social work reports outline that he has returned to his former foster carers’ care (i.e. the complainant), his schooling has improved and his behaviour has settled.

There were indications on the file that there has been an active involvement from the social work team on the case and that the child has received some CAMHS input (assessment and support). The HSE’s view is that he no longer requires secure care. A number of recommendations were made by the Foster care Committee which subsequently approved the child placement with the former foster family on foot of these recommendations being implemented namely:

• the appointment of a clinical case manager (led by either primary care psychology or SW and supported by CAMHS psychiatry) to attend to the boy’s mental health needs

• a residential unit to provide support and respite to the fostering placement.

Outcome

Shortly after the approval of the above recommendations, the respite services for this child (one of the key recommendations for the approval of the placement) were withdrawn from the child. The foster carer explained that good respite and good support for his mental and behavioural issues are key to the sustainability of his placement and of his schooling and it appeared that all professionals agreed with this. This Office wrote to the Regional director of services about this issue and the service was reinstated immediately.

The child went on to sit his junior cert that year.

Having discussed the case with the foster family and being satisfied that redress had being provided, this Office decided to discontinue the investigation.

The Ombudsman for Children wrote to the national Director for family services to recommend a review of this case to learn what the key positive determinants in the changes of circumstances were for this child. It offered an opportunity for the HSE to further identify and support positive practice in that regard. This Office also encouraged the HSE to further support this child and his foster family as the sustainability of any improvements may be partially dependent on the level of supports given to this child and his foster family.

Posted in: Investigations State