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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ISPCC offers FREE online mindfulness workshops for children and teens

Join us online on January 16th to explore how mindfulness can make a positive difference to children and young people. ISPCC is offering three free workshops for primary and post primary school students. 

Each of the three sessions are interactive, directed at the relevant developmental stage of the attendees and designed to be engaging and playful in nature. They last 30-40 minutes and will be presented by Victoria Howson who is ISPCC’s Shield Anti-Bullying Programme’s Community Engagement Manager as well as a trainee Educational Psychologist with the HSE.

The first workshop at 9.30am is dedicated to exploring how mindfulness can help teens navigate academic pressure, social dynamics and emotional challenges. Through guided practice, relatable examples and reflective discussions, students will discover concrete strategies for focus, calm and self-awareness that they can seamlessly incorporate into their daily lives. 

The second session at 11am is aimed at pupils in junior infants, senior infants, first and second classes and it will introduce them to mindfulness through simple stories, movement and sensory exploration. They will learn age-appropriate techniques to help deal with overwhelming feelings.  

The third workshop at 11.55am is aimed at those in third to sixth classes and through interactive activities, guided breathing and reflective exercises, attendees learn how mindfulness can support focus, emotional balance and everyday wellbeing.  They will gain concrete strategies that are applicable both at school and at home. 

The aim of these sessions is to introduce children and teens to key tools and thought process that they can utilise to reduce anxiety, navigate emotional challenges and deal with pressure. It is also to encourage participants to make the best of every day they have and to understand that it’s okay to have feelings, even uncomfortable ones, they don’t have to be ignored. 

Teachers will need to provide a screen and speakers for the workshops.  

To learn more about the workshops and to register, go to ISPCC Webinars – ISPCC

Behind the closed doors of homes across Ireland, many children suffered in silence this Christmas* – but Childline was there for them

Behind the closed doors of homes across Ireland, many children suffered in silence this Christmas – but Childline was there for them

“It’s such a hard time of year to feel so alone, I haven’t spoken to anyone today, I wish things were different, like it is in the movies, but it’s not. It was brilliant to be able to call Childline, I knew that you would be here for me and it does help a little.”  Emma*, 14. 

Today (December 26th) is set to be one of busiest days of the year for Childline with the team expecting that more than 300 contacts will be made to Ireland’s only 24-hour listening service for children and young people  

Dublin, December 26th, 2025 – Childline reveals that today (St Stephen’s Day, 2025) will be the busiest day of the year for Ireland’s only 24/7 listening service as children come to terms with what they have experienced over the Christmas* period.  The dedicated Childline team is expecting that more than 300 contacts will be made from children and young people across Ireland. 

Heartbreaking data also reveals that over a three-day Christmas period (December 23rd, 24th and 25th) whilst many of us were enjoying gifts, treats, twinkly lights and Santa, Childline received 615 contacts from children who turned to the team because Christmas for them was not a time of joy but one of neglect and misery. Shockingly, seven young people turned to us with suicidal thoughts.

Bullying, abuse, neglect, mental health, substance misuse, strained family relationships and grief are just some of the many reasons children turn to Childline – reasons that sadly are even more pronounced during what is meant to be a magical time of the year.

Additional statistics from Ireland’s only 24/7 listening service for children and young people reveal:   

  •                The Childline team spends the equivalent of 146 full days a year talking to children and young people in immediate crisis
  •                35 children and young people a year are in the process of trying to take their own life whilst in contact with the Childline team
  •                Childline receives over 2,300 contacts a year in relation to sexual, physical and emotional abuse
  •                300 children a year contact Childline about sexual abuse involving rape and being forced to watch and/or perform sexual acts    

Over the last five years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of children engaging with Childline who are at high risk of harm. Sadly, such stark revelations come as no surprise to the dedicated team of staff and volunteers at ISPCC.   

The Childline team know they are an essential support for so many neglected children, and Childline is open 24/7 to any child for any reason at Christmas, as it is throughout the year. 

“Christmas is supposed to be the one day when families spend time together in peace and harmony,” said volunteer Joe Keane. “However, for children who call Childline at Christmas, the holiday can be one of the loneliest and most difficult times of the year. As a volunteer, being there on Christmas Day means I can make sure they feel listened to and heard.”

John Church, CEO, ISPCC said: “For too many children and young people, Christmas simply doesn’t happen. Too many don’t have the Christmas that they dream of and deserve. Instead, a day that should be full of joy is nothing special and sometimes a lot worse. They turn to Childline for support, and our amazing staff and volunteers are there for them 24/7 over Christmas, as they are throughout the year. Without help from public donations, we would simply not be able to be here for every child who needs us.” 

To help Childline continue to be there for children go to ispcc.ie   

*Christmas statistics refer to December 23, December 24 and December 25 

* Contacts refers to all contacts (chats/phones) that dial 1800 66 66 66/connect to LiveChat  

ISPCC reports shocking statistics on sexual abuse, rape, trafficking and violence as it launches national Christmas appeal

“For too many children and young people, Christmas doesn’t mean presents or a happy day full of warmth and safety. Instead, it means abuse, neglect and loneliness. It breaks my heart to know that it can be nothing but a living nightmare for many of our young people across this country. Take a moment to think of all the young people in your community who could be going through this behind closed doors, alone, afraid, feeling unloved.”

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ISPCC attends the Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence

It was an honour to be invited to attend the Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence and discuss the impact of AI on children and young people. ISPCC’s purpose is to protect childhood, and we believe that it is crucial to ensure that AI technologies are designed safely and ethically, with a child-rights approach.

The meeting of Joint Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence was a wonderful opportunity to share the insights of our colleagues in ISPCC who have direct daily engagement with children.

While there are legitimate – and grave – concerns about the future development of AI, it can also be used as force for good. 

ISPCC CEO John Church emphasised that the voice of the child is essential when formulating policy in this area, while Head of Policy and Public Affairs Fiona Jennings stressed ISPCC’s involvement in research projects underpinned by AI technologies – GroSafe and NLight – as well as the Children’s Online Redress Sandbox project which will establish a first-of-its-kind mechanism to advance child online safety through collaboration across sectors, borders and generations utilising a regulatory sandbox methodology.

GroSafe is funded by Research Ireland and aims to develop a technology-enabled solution to build societal resilience against child grooming.

NLight, funded by Safe Online, is a deployable text analysis tool that allows for better data and sentiment analysis of our Childline webchat service.

 She also discussed the Children’s Online Redress Sandbox project which will establish a first-of-its-kind mechanism to advance child online safety through collaboration across sectors, borders and generations.

At ISPCC, we believe that children and young people need to be educated on how to use AI technologies responsibly and productively. Legislators must champion a robust regulatory system that supports safe and ethical design of AI technologies. A cross-government coordinated approach with a national policy focus is needed, situated in the Department of An Taoiseach. The proposed AI office and AI observatory could offer this opportunity.

Every child has the right to lead a better, happier, safer childhood. It is our hope that working with our partners in the Irish Safer Internet Centre and on novel solution-focused projects, we can ensure that the rights of children and young people are protected as AI technologies evolve.

The other organisations represented at the meeting included the Ombudsman Youth Advisory Panel, National Youth Council, Children’s Rights Alliance, National Parents Council, BeLong To, CyberSafeKids, Irish Traveller Movement, spunout and Webwise.

Could you help Childline listen to children in Drogheda?

volunteers outreach

Shauna McDaniel’s reason for volunteering with Childline is simple: She would have loved to have called Ireland’s only 24/7 listening service when she was young.

“I could have really benefited from having an adult to talk to, to help me feel less alone, to feel that I was worthy of being part of a conversation, to reassure me that my life is valid and how I feel is valid.”

Shauna grew up in single-parent household in rural Ireland. Her mother was very loving but exhausted trying to care for three children on her own.

Shauna has been volunteering with Childline since February 2024 and the 39-year-old says that she loves hearing the stories of the children who call. “It’s not always tragic conversations. I get so much joy from a child saying that they feel better at the end of our conversation.”

The Childline listening service is now recruiting volunteers for its office in Drogheda, which is dedicated to helping Ireland’s children.

For Sarah Edwards, who has been in the Drogheda office for the last three years, volunteering with Childline has changed her life in ways she could never have envisioned. Her aim when she started volunteering “was to empower at least one child on my shift, but the reason why I stay is because of the other volunteers. “I’ve made friends for life, we really support each other.”

She says that knowing you have helped a child makes your week.  “Depending on the child’s age, I put my seven-year-old or my 16-year-old hat on. I imagine myself being that age and in that situation.

After working for 24 years in the drinks industry, Sarah is planning to do a psychology degree, a development she credits to her time volunteering with Childline.

The service provided by ISPCC is always available to any child and young person across Ireland who would like to talk about any topic on their mind.  

Childline’s 24/7 listening service is free and confidential and can be reached online or by phone.  

Volunteers with the service come from all walks of life and are united by one common purpose: to help ensure no child or young person in Ireland has to face their challenges alone.  

An excellent team spirit and sense of support prevails at Childline units throughout the country. Volunteers receive full training in advance of answering their first contact and ongoing support and upskilling thereafter. The training will take place in September.

“You’re never on your own,” says Sarah. “Everyone on your shift is in the room with you.”

Childline regional supervisor Mary Nolan Durkan says: “Childline volunteers play a vital role in helping to ensure there is always someone there to listen, support and empower children and young people in Ireland when they seek a listening ear. The Childline training course is a comprehensive course which equips volunteers with the skills to deliver a quality service to children.”

“I’ll never leave Childline,” says Sarah, “no matter what I do going forward, I’ll always be a volunteer. I absolutely love it.

  • If you would like more information on becoming a Childline volunteer at our unit in Drogheda and helping the service to listen to children and young people, please go to https://www.ispcc.ie/volunteer-with-childline/
  • If you don’t have the time, but still want to make a difference, you can donate at ispcc.ie

Make a splash for Childline this September

September Sea Swim 2024

Finding Nemo’s Dory was very clear: “Just keep swimming”. It’s advice that heptathlete Lara O’Byrne would certainly agree with.

Lara, a passionate sea swimmer, was one of the first people to sign up to this year’s September Sea Swims. Now she’s hoping that people throughout the country will join her and make a splash for Childline.

Childline’s September Sea Swims are open to everyone. You don’t actually have to live by the coast to participate in this beneficial endeavour for body and soul: any open water location will do for your swims, dips or paddles.

Childline will also be hosting pop-up swim events throughout September if you’d like to take the plunge with others.

September Sea Swims offer a fantastic opportunity to nurture your mental and physical health while supporting the wellbeing of children and young people. All funds raised will do directly to Childline, Ireland’s only 24/7 listening service, to ensure that there is always someone to listen when a child or young person needs to talk.

For Lara who founded the Original Lobster wetsuit company, signing up for September Sea Swims has physical, mental and emotions benefits. “Sea swimming is a way to connect not only with nature, but with yourself,” she says.

“When you’re in the water, all of the outside problems don’t seem so bad. It’s my favourite way to decompress and be in the moment. It also brings people together and creates a sense of community. That’s why I’ve decided to take part in this challenge while also raising money for a fantastic charity.”

Psychologist and author Allison Keating has also signed up for September Sea Swims. She firmly believes that the refreshing reset offered sea swimming has multiple benefits for body and soul.

“Sea swimming is an incredibly immersive and totally free experience that reconnects you with your body, while calming and reinvigorating your mind. It gets you out of your head and back into your body, with stress-relieving benefits that last long after your dip.”

It’s very straightforward to join Lara and Allison in September Sea Swims for Childline.

Simply sign up to do 10 swims whenever you want throughout the month. You can do it as a solo challenge or with a group of friends.

Each participant should register individually at https://septemberseaswim.com/ to receive their fundraising pack and be eligible for a prize draw to win an Original Lobster wetsuit. They will also receive a fundraising pack.

So go on, dive in and soak up the benefits of swimming for Childline.

Summer Break, Silent Struggles

Summer Break, Silent Struggles: major increase in callers reporting physical and sexual abuse 

The hidden dangers faced by children over the summer, including isolation, neglect and sexual and physical abuse 

The Childline team are experiencing a significant increase in contacts now that the summer holidays are officially in full swing. The longer days and the break from the routine of school life has led to an increased risk of isolation, exposure to danger online, abuse and neglect. 

The end of the academic year means that many children will lose connection with their friends from school and the support of the teachers around them.  At school, they can be themselves without fearing the consequences. Consequences that include domestic violence, abuse, neglect and social isolation.

Childline staff and volunteers report that sexual abuse contacts have increased by 10% during the summer holidays, while reports of physical abuse have risen by 24% at the same time. There have been over 100 contacts for both sexual and physical abuse during the summer holidays.

Others who contact Childline also reveal concerns about food poverty, social isolation and financial issues.

Many of these children dread the summer and count the days to go back to school.

Abby*, a teenager, said that she hates being at home with her single mother who is an addict. She has become increasingly anxious as the summer term went on. School is a salvation for her, a place to escape for a few hours from the chaos of her home life and the constant male callers. It’s also a place where she gets regular meals and she knows that her teachers are looking out for her.

Jack*, whose parents have separated, dreads going on holidays with his mother’s new partner. He lives in fear that he will lose his temper and hit out at Jack and his younger sister.

For Jennifer*, the thought of months without her friends is devastating. She lives in the heart of rural Ireland and loves school and hates the isolation of her home. She is worried that her friends will move on without her and she’ll lose them.

Elizabeth Donlon Fox, National Childline Listening Coordinator, hears similar stories on a daily basis: “The lives of children and young people can be destroyed during what are meant to be happy, carefree summer days. Instead of enjoying the summer holidays, some children are living with isolation, fear, and neglect. It is horrifying to hear what so many children and young people have to endure. I was heartbroken when talking to Finn* who confided in me about the toll his emotionally abusive family takes on him. He says that he hates being at home. Unfortunately for many like Finn* summer is a time of heartbreak and not happiness.”

In order to continue to be there for every child who needs us, Childline needs your help. Donations to Childline can be the shield that protects them, the voice that listens, and the hand that holds theirs in the darkest times.

ISPCC offers support to children and young people at childline.ie and at 1 800 66 66 66. 

*Names have been changed

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