Statement – Child Law Project 2024 Report “Falling Through the Cracks”

8^th November 2024

The Irish Foster Care Association (IFCA) is deeply concerned by the findings in the recent Child Law Project’s 2024 report, “Falling Through the Cracks”, which highlights critical gaps in Ireland’s child protection and welfare system.

The report paints a troubling picture of how vulnerable children, particularly those navigating complex and fragmented support systems, are at risk of slipping through the cracks, with detrimental consequences for their safety and well-being. Our foster carers see firsthand the effects of these systemic issues on children in care, the report adds “This cycle of poor practice also has a knock-on effect of demoralising those working in child-care and foster carers”

Dr. Corbett’s report calls for a robust, coordinated and efficient approach to child protection, with a focus on reducing delays and improving access to timely services for children.  IFCA has been consistent in our advocacy for improvements within the childcare system, calling for an integrated and cross-government approach for some time. This report serves as a critical reminder of the urgency of addressing these ongoing issues within the child protection system.

IFCA continues to call on the Government and relevant authorities to take immediate action to address these systemic issues and ensure that vulnerable children are no longer left to fall through the cracks.