Molly’s case: How Tusla and the HSE provided and coordinated supports for a child with a disability in the care of the State

This report provides details of Molly’s* case. Molly was born with Down Syndrome and severe autism, and was abandoned at birth by her biological parents. She has grown up with her foster family after being placed there when she was a baby. Molly is dependent on her foster carers in all areas of her care, including feeding, toileting, bathing, and dressing.

Molly’s foster carer made a complaint to us about the level of supports and services being provided by Tusla and the HSE to meet Molly’s needs and support her placement.

We found that there was a lack of co-ordination between the two agencies which meant that services and supports provided by both organisations were insufficient.

Following our investigation Tusla committed to undertake a systemic review of the supports and services being offered to children in their care with a moderate to severe disability. They will also identify these children to the HSE to facilitate care planning and joint working for these children.

The HSE has committed to include vulnerable children in state care in their performance indicators under Progressing Disability Services, and to ensure that any assessment procedures consider their specific vulnerability as child in care.

*Names have been changed to protect anonymity

• January 2018
• Type: Investigation
• Topic: Children in care, Disability