This article is from page 3 of the 2013-11-26 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 3 JPG
DETAILS of the HSE’s application were outlined at Ennis District Court on Wednesday where the boy appeared on assault and criminal damage charges arising out of an alleged incident in East Clare on November 6. A HSE social care worker told the court the HSE had been forced to look outside the jurisdiction for a secure place because of the waiting list that exists in Ireland.
The woman said an application will be made to the High Court and the authorities in Scotland have been notified of the placement.
It is proposed that the boy will stay in St Mary’s for a total of four months, which will comprise a threemonth secure placement and one month step down placement.
A Scottish Government Child Safety and Wellbeing report on the costs of secure accommodation show the average cost per secure bed per week at St Mary’s during 2011-12 was £5,160, ranging from £5,060 to £5,410. The estimated cost of the teenager’s stay in the unit could be € 61,920. The court heard that another troubled teenager from Dublin is also staying in the unit. The social worker told the court the HSE would pay the cost of the placement.
In response to questions from Judge Patrick Durcan, the woman said she did not have the cost of placing the boy in secure accommodation in Scotland.
Judge Durcan asked the cost of the placement be given to the Court Services.
Judge Durcan said he was “not happy” about the application but said that the HSE hare the statutory body with responsibility for child welfare.
The court heard the boy is being placed in a secure unit as it gives him the best chance of transitioning to a stable life in adulthood. The woman said the boy is looking forward to going to Scotland. The court heard the boy had been living with his wheelchair bound uncle as his father is in prison.
St Mary’s is a secure unit that accommodates 24 children. According to its website, it has a variety of recreational facilities including a sevenaside Astroturf pitch, gymnasium, fitness suite and swimming pool. In 2008, the unit was the scene of violent riot that resulted in £200,000 worth of damage. The teen’s cases were adjourned to Killaloe District Court on May 6. The Clare People submitted a number of questions to the HSE but no response had been received at time of going to print.