THERE are more than 300 children in the care of the HSE in Limerick and at least 25 of them have been taken into the custody of the HSE in Emergency Care Orders in the last six months.
The figures, obtained by the Limerick Post from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, follow the latest Emergency Care Order (ECO) granted by the courts after a 14-year-old girl presented at Pieta House after self-harming while in the care of her aunt and uncle.
The Child and Family Agency (CFA) were applying for an ECO amid fears for the young girl’s safety. The girl’s identity can not be disclosed for legal reasons.
Originally from Africa, she was taken to hospital after she arrived at Pieta House with self-inflicted injuries, a social worker told Limerick District Court earlier this week.
According to the social worker’s evidence the girl was distressed and had suicidal thoughts.
“She presented at Pieta House having cut her arms and she told staff she didn’t want to return home,” the social worker said.
The young girl was brought to Ireland over five years ago by her aunt and uncle and has been living with them in Limerick. However the social worker said that they have “effectively abandoned her”.
The young girl was starving and said she was being ignored at home. The social worker said that attempts to contact the girl’s parents have been unsuccessful to date.
Her aunt and uncle said they did not want her to return to their home again and they would not visit her in hospital.
“They said they are struggling to manage here and are very angry with her.”
The court was told that Gardaí were given the girl’s belongings and her official identity papers when they called to the house.
A mental health assessment conducted at University Hospital Limerick confirmed that the girl was emotionally distressed.
The social worker said there was an “immediate risk” and the care order was granted.
