ISPCC response to RTE Investigates programme: Children in care: one year following a system in crisis

ISPCC response to RTE Investigates programme: 

Children in care: one year following a system in crisis

The report by RTE Investigates into the family law court system documenting the crisis in the care of this country’s most vulnerable children comes as no surprise to those of us working to safeguard children and young people in Ireland. There is no doubt that the system is utterly broken, despite the best efforts of those working within it.

It is soul-destroying to hear a teenage girl describe herself as an ‘Amazon parcel’, adding that “when you are being moved around from house to house, it felt like, we are kind of second choice”.

When a child in care feels like an Amazon parcel, it tells us that they’ve learned to see themselves as an inanimate object that needs to be processed and moved around, a burden on the system and not a real person.

At ISPCC, we understand the ongoing trauma faced by young people in care, who spend their lives being moved from place to place and dread their 18th birthday. This milestone is not a time of joy instead it signifies the removal of the State safety net, such as it exists for them, and an uncertain future ahead.

As a society, we should be appalled that some of our most vulnerable children and young people are treated like this and we must understand that the legacy of this trauma will have a defining impact on their lives.

We believe that the key is early intervention; the first step is to support families in their home. We support Tusla’s local integrated service model, a streamlined process of one file for one child, ensuring that no child gets lost in the system.

We call for greater after-care so that young people are properly supported once they turn 18, and greater in-house residential care provided by Tusla so that it is not necessary to use unregulated providers, irrespective of the budget constraints. Additional supports for foster carers are essential.

While there are examples of young people surviving the system and breaking the cycle of need, these are outliers.

We must increase the voice of the child in the courts and listen to the children and young people who need us.

We must provide proper help and support for children and young people placed in care.

Every child deserves a protected childhood.

As a society we simply have no excuse for failing to provide it.

Why Clodagh, and others, turned to Childline over Easter

Forget Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies — for many young people, school holidays mean loneliness, fear and overwhelming pressure.

The Easter break should be a time of joy for children: a pause from schoolwork, time with family, and moments of fun and freedom. But for too many young people across Ireland, Easter is anything but easy.

Over the three-day Easter period (April 4th to 6th), Childline received almost 1,000 contacts from children and young people reaching out for support. Behind every contact is a child trying to cope, often in silence. Alarmingly, 20 of those contacts involved discussions about suicide.

Childline, Ireland’s only 24/7/365 listening service for children and young people, sees a consistent spike in demand during holiday periods, when the safety and structure of school is removed.

Give now to make a difference

Easter is one of our busiest times of the year. For many children, school is a sanctuary — a breathing space from chaotic or unsafe home lives. During the holidays they can feel incredibly isolated, especially when they know others are enjoying themselves. Every day, we hear from young people who are experiencing the worst time of their lives.

Elizabeth Donlon Fox Childline Listening National Supervisor

When home doesn’t feel safe

During school holidays, children who are experiencing neglect, emotional distress, family breakdown or abuse often have nowhere to turn. Without trusted adults or the routine of school, worries build and feelings intensify.

The Childline team now spends the equivalent of 146 full days every year supporting children and young people in immediate crisis — listening, reassuring and helping them survive moments of deep distress.

Clodagh’s story*

Clodagh, aged 14, is one of the many young people who turn to Childline during school holidays.

When her parents separated, Clodagh’s world changed overnight. She desperately misses her dad, but sees him only occasionally. At home, her mother struggles with her own mental health, leaving Clodagh to care for her younger siblings — making sure they are fed, washed, dressed, and ready for school, while also cleaning the house and holding everything together.

Instead of enjoying time with friends like other teenagers, Clodagh feels trapped by responsibility, fear and worry. The isolation and pressure took a devastating toll on her mental health.

Eventually, Clodagh felt overwhelmed, hopeless — and suicidal.

On the worst day of her life, she found the courage to call Childline.

At the other end of the phone was a trained volunteer who listened without judgement, took her feelings seriously, and helped her feel less alone at a moment when everything felt unbearable. That conversation helped Clodagh get through the night and begin to find hope again.

Her experience is not unique.

Donate to support children like Clodagh
* Clodagh’s name has been changed to protect her identity.

Seeing the warning signs — and acting

Many children reaching out to Childline show clear signs of distress long before they make contact. Sudden mood changes, withdrawal from friends, difficulties at school, risky behaviour, changes in sleep or appetite, or statements of hopelessness should always be taken seriously.

For children who are struggling to open up to the adults in their lives, Childline offers a confidential, anonymous space — any reason, any time.

One conversation can save a life

When a child is experiencing suicidal thoughts, having someone to listen can change everything. Your support helps ensure trained Childline volunteers are always there — day and night.

It costs just €22 to answer a contact from a suicidal child
Donate €22 today
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