Tusla must urgently consider special care order for missing boy (14), says judge

A judge has ordered Tusla, Ireland's child and family agency, to urgently consider applying for a special care order for a 14-year-old boy who has repeatedly gone missing since being placed in its care. The decision comes after the boy was allegedly caught driving a car the wrong way down a motorway, prompting concerns over his safety and behavior. The incident occurred during a hearing at the Family Law Court, where Judge Adrian Harris emphasized the escalating nature of the teenager's actions while under Tusla's care. According to the court records, the boy has been missing multiple times in recent weeks, with reports indicating he took a train to Dublin. A Tusla care worker stated that the boy has spent only seven nights in his current special care arrangement over the past month, raising alarm among officials. During a previous search operation, members of a nine-person Garda team located the boy hidden under a blanket in a wardrobe. After his return to the special care facility, he went missing again on July 2nd. Garda officers confirmed his safe return two weeks later. The boy’s independent guardian ad litem expressed concern over the recent alleged motorway incident, stating that the situation is worsening and requires immediate intervention. Judge Harris noted that the boy is putting himself and others at risk, and his own liberty is increasingly compromised. He highlighted that the social care worker involved in the case has informed the court that Tusla is now evaluating the possibility of a special care order. The judge adjourned the case to Tuesday, July 28th, for Tusla to submit its proposal regarding the application for such an order. This is not the first time the boy has faced serious issues under Tusla's care. In April, the agency obtained an emergency care order following an incident where the teenager completely destroyed his home in a dispute over his mother not returning his mobile phone. Initially admitted to a university hospital due to the fuel protests preventing Garda from transporting him to a hotel placement, the boy moved between accommodations daily until Tusla arranged a special care arrangement in May. The judge extended the interim care order for the boy until July 28th, underscoring the urgency of the situation. The ongoing instability and repeated absences have prompted legal action and heightened scrutiny of the care system. As the case moves forward, the focus remains on ensuring the boy receives appropriate support and protection within the framework of the law.