Children in State care are residing in unstable and high-risk placements, according to an internal review by the child and family agency, Tusla.
Terry Dignan, Chair of the Children's Residential and Aftercare Voluntary Association, said that these children generally come into care unexpectedly, for example due to placement breakdown or those seeking international protection.
Speaking on RTÉ News at One, he said that issue had increased significantly over the last 18 to 24 months due to a lack of capacity in the care system.
"They need a place quickly. It's something that's not adequate," he said.
"The report paints a picture of a care system that's in crisis. It points to a lack of long-term planning and long-term and appropriate investment by the State in the care of children that are in the care of the State."
Mr Dignan said it was not just Tusla's issue as it was trying to deal with this in a reactionary sort of way.
He said if Tusla were to address this situation with stakeholders, that it requires investment by the Government and for the situation to be taken seriously.
He added that the underinvestment in the area had gone on for decades and had to change.
"We'd call for a considered response to this, a multi-agency response to look at developing a care system that's fit for purpose."
He said that the system must serve those who just need accommodation but also those with more complex needs. He said that those with complex needs is increasing.
"We simply don't have the capacity to meet their needs at the moment as it stands," Mr Dignan said.
"There are systemic failings within the structure that we’re working with currently."
In a statement, Tusla said that "ensuring that children and young people in the care of Tusla are in an appropriate care placement, with the necessary support services, is a priority for Tusla and we have robust oversight systems in place to identify where service improvements are necessary in both internal services and those delivered by private providers, including Special Emergency Arrangements".
Tusla said that in the last year, there has been at 12% rise in the number of general referrals to Tusla.
It said: "In emergency situations, where there is a placement breakdown, or where children come into care unexpectedly, or in responding immediately to Separated Children Seeking International Protection that present to the service, our priority is to place children with wider family, an emergency foster placement, or in registered emergency residential provision, until a more permanent suitable placement can be identified.
"Where we cannot immediately identify such a placement, a special emergency arrangement (SEA) is required to ensure an immediate place of safety for a young person.
"These are unregulated placements, mostly in rented accommodation, apartments, and houses, with staffing from third party providers.
"We endeavour to transition these young people from SEAs to regulated settings as soon as possible, once alternative placements become available. All young people in a SEA have a dedicated social worker, a care plan in place, and a staffing ratio of at least 2:1 when in single occupancy arrangements."
Tusla said that as of this month, there are 170 young people in SEAs, 118 of which are separated children and young people seeking international protection/unaccompanied minors.
"The capacity challenges in the provision of care placements are part of a suite of strategies being implemented for foster care, residential care," Tusla said in its statement.
