Complaint

The Office was contacted by a 17 year old girl who was homeless, without family support and being provided supports by the HSE under Section 5 of the Child Care Act, 1991.

The circumstances for this young person were that she was struggling to attend school along with the demands of maintaining employment to support herself. As the HSE had determined that this was not a young person who required to be taken into Care, she was not entitled to the supports provided to young people in the care of the HSE. However, following court proceedings initiated on behalf of the young person, the HSE committed to providing financial supports until she reached the age of 18.

The concerns raised related to the provision of supports once the young person reached 18 years of age, specifically whilst she completed her Leaving Certificate examinations. The Office contacted the HSE who advised that the extension of supports would be agreed, on a once-off basis, until the young person completed her examinations.

There was a delay of several months in receipt of the financial supports for the young person. This was resolved following contact from the Office. In addition, the young person had raised concerns that the HSE did not provide the required information to support her application for the Higher Education Access Route scheme (HEAR) which allows young people with certain disadvantaged backgrounds to gain entry to 3rd level education on a reduced points basis in light of their acknowledged circumstances. Following representations by the young person, her solicitor, and contact from the Office, the HSE provided the required information.

Outcome

While following the intervention of the Office, redress had been achieved for the young person in relation to the individual difficulties encountered; the Office identified a number of concerns in relation to the handling of the case which were communicated to the HSE along with a number of proposals.

In response the HSE restated that the young person was not in the care of the HSE and had agreed to provide accommodation up until her 18th birthday and a financial package of support to allow her to complete her secondary school education and their view that these actions demonstrate the HSE’s interest in being flexible and considerate of the needs and best interests of this young person.

Posted in: Investigations State