Children in State care are being put in unregulated placements that are completely unsuited to meeting their needs.

That’s according to children’s charity Barnardos who is calling for an urgent phasing out of the reliance on these placements after last night's Prime Time investigation on RTÉ One.

It showed kids aged under 2 are being put in this type of private accommodation which doesn't come under HIQA scrutiny.

State care

Barnardos Guardian ad Litem Manager Freda McKittrick said the State doesn't offer the right kind of care.

“Generally, we’re concerned about special emergency arrangements as they are not properly regulated placements for children,” she said.

“They are often dealing with the most traumatised children who need the most care yet they are being placed in treatments that offer the least care.”

Young depressed woman hiding her face. Image: Viacheslav Iakobchuk / Alamy Stock Photo

Barnardos is also calling for an urgent phasing out of the reliance on unregulated placements for children in State care.

“Again and again, we’re hearing of really serious concerns about the quality of care that is offered,” said Ms McKittrick.

“They are being looked after by people who aren’t qualified, who don’t necessarily have any background in childcare, who don’t have an understanding of children’s trauma and the impact that has on their needs.”

There are currently over 5,000 children in State care in Ireland.

Main image: A boy covers his head. Image: itanistock / Stockimo / Alamy Stock Photo