THE OMBUDSMAN for Children has launched an investigation into the standards of care available to the estimated 180 separated children seeking asylum who are residing in the State.
Children who arrive into the State to seek asylum without their parents are automatically placed in the care of the State.
In contrast to Irish children in care, most reside in private hostels that are contracted by the HSE to provide such accommodation.
This accommodation is not subject to independent inspection, while the children tend not to have regular access to independent guardians or social workers.
The Ombudsman Emily Logan yesterday announced details of an independent consultation with separated children to “find out and understand” their experiences since they arrived in the State.
“Research undertaken for my office by University College Cork has identified that children without parental care face particular difficulties and are at higher risk from harm,” Ms Logan said.
“This project is part of a broader programme of work over the next two years that will focus on children who are living without parental care,” she added. The issue of children going missing from State care has been an ongoing issue of controversy in recent years.
Ms Logan said that the State’s care obligations must commence as soon as a child comes into the country, not just when a child goes missing.
“In this project, we intend to explore the points where the children’s needs may not be met and how this may make them vulnerable. The findings of the consultation will be published and any recommendations will be put to the Government, the Oireachtas and other policymakers,” Ms Logan explained. In recent months, staff from the Ombudsman for Children’s Office have visited some of the private accommodation centres and met children living there, as well as staff who work in the centres.
Last week, almost 50 separated children attended an open day at the Ombudsman’s office to hear about the consultation, according to a spokeswoman.
The Ombudsman says that she will continue to meet as many children as possible during the course of the project by running a drop-in service at its office and by continuing visits to accommodation centres.
