Scott highlights decline in support for children in State care in Wicklow
Green party Spokesperson for Children Cllr. Lourda Scott has issued a call for government intervention following the release of figures showing a sharp decline in support for children in State care in Co Wicklow.
In figures provided to Green Party Leader Roderic O’ Gorman, New data reveals a deepening crisis in the child protection system, as the number of children in State care without an allocated social worker has doubled over the last twenty four months.
The data reveals a deepening crisis in the Dublin South West, Kildare, and West Wicklow area. Despite the number of children entering care remaining stable, the number without an allocated social worker has increased four fold in this region. In the space of 18 months, 23% of children in care are now left without a dedicated professional to ensure their well-being. This lack of professional oversight leaves children and their families in a particularly vulnerable position. Greystones Councillor Scott said these figures show that access to basic professional support depends too heavily on location.
“Every child in care deserves consistent support. It is deeply concerning that in some parts of the country, more than one in four children do not have a dedicated social worker. Several regions have seen an alarming deterioration in just two years, including here in our county. In Dublin South West, Kildare and West Wicklow, the number of children without an allocated social worker has risen sharply from just over 6 per cent in 2024 to 23 per cent today. That is a very significant increase in just two years. In the Dublin East region, which covers the rest of Wicklow, the figures are also moving in the wrong direction, with 6 per cent of children now without a social worker. While the increase has not been as steep, it is still a worry. It is unacceptable that vulnerable children have effectively no professional oversight and are left to navigate the system unsupported. It is also unacceptable that resources for support may not be available if you happen to live in the west of the County. This makes no sense and is very unfair to children and families already struggling.”
In contrast to Co Wicklow, areas such as Mayo maintain zero percent unallocated rates. Cork has the highest number of children in care in the country, with 663 children, with only 3 currently waiting allocation, slightly down on 100 per cent allocation in 2024. This demonstrates that with proper management and resources full allocation is possible.
When a child is left without an allocated social worker they lose their primary link to the State’s duty of care. They are the key professional responsible for that child’s wellbeing. Without this continuity, children are at a significantly higher risk of falling through the cracks of the system. Scott is calling for immediate government intervention to address these staffing and service gaps, demanding a transparent review of why allocation rates are collapsing and a mandatory recovery plan for any region below 95% allocation
"A child in care without a social worker is a child without a voice," says Scott "This isn't about an influx of new cases overwhelming the system. The numbers of children in care haven't changed. This is a fundamental service failure that is leaving our most vulnerable citizens at risk."
