Kildare election candidates highlights child chare 'crisis'

“The latest Child Law Project report highlights the State’s failure to safeguard children in care,” said Cllr Chris Pender, who has been pressing the government on this “crisis”.

As the Social Democrats candidate for Kildare South in the upcoming General Election, Cllr Pender claimed he had long campaigned for a full ‘root and branch’ review of the child care system.

“This report is a painful reminder of the ongoing crisis in our child care system, and it is a crisis the government has repeatedly failed to address despite urgent calls for reform,” he said.

“In 2019, I, along with my branch, tabled a motion to push for a full review of the system’s failings — one that would put children’s voices and welfare at its core, but since then, the situation has only deteriorated.” 

Key concerns from the report include children as young as four in residential care due to a lack of foster carers, critical shortages in special care beds, and a lack of aftercare support. The report also highlights that almost 20 per cent of children in care currently have no allocated social worker, and unaccompanied minors lack clear legislative protections.

“The government’s inaction has left a broken system that fails our most vulnerable,” he continued.

“In contrast, countries like Scotland have successfully implemented a transformative review to embed love, support, and real opportunities for children within their care systems. Ireland’s children deserve the same commitment.” Cllr Pender reiterated his call for the next administration to make comprehensive reform a priority.

“Ireland’s children cannot wait any longer.

“We need a child care system that genuinely listens to, supports, and prepares children for adulthood.

“The Government has ignored this issue for too long, and this report must now act as a wake-up call.”