Concerns have been raised about how Ireland is responding to the growing number of separated children arriving in the State without parents or guardians.
A research report commissioned by EPIC - which advocates with and for children in care and young care-leavers - has found that there are significant challenges in protecting and supporting vulnerable young people, whose care falls at the intersection of Ireland's asylum system and its child protection services.
Researchers examined a wide range of existing research to compile the report and there was input from 32 participants, including seven young people who were formerly separated children and 25 professionals who supported them.
The young participants - all of whom had sought International Protection alone as children - provided first-hand insights into their experiences.
While basic needs such as accommodation, food, and safety were being met for most separated children, researchers found that increased demand has put severe strain on existing services.
The report raises concerns about the State's increasing reliance on Special Emergency Arrangements to house separated children and whether these emergency measures provide adequate or appropriate support.
Read the report in full here
One of the most pressing issues identified is the age assessment process, which determines whether an individual should be treated as a child or adult.
Inaccurate assessments can lead to children being placed in adult accommodation centres, where services are limited and risks are higher. The report warns that this practice may infringe on the rights of young people.
The report highlights the emotional toll of the asylum process on children, with many reporting high levels of stress, difficulty accessing mental health services and experiences of racism and cultural isolation.
Some children in the care of Tusla shared positive stories however, others described inconsistent access to support, gaps in educational services, and growing anxiety about their futures.
The report notes that the situation becomes even more precarious after they turn 18, when there is a sharp drop in support once young people "age out" of the care system, particularly in the midst of a housing and accommodation crisis.
The lack of suitable aftercare for young adults is a consistent theme throughout the report.
Despite the challenges, the report highlights the resilience and agency of separated children, many of whom maintain contact with family abroad and continue to seek reunification.
However, it notes that the family reunification process is stressful and largely unsupported, adding to the mental and emotional burden these young people already carry.
The authors of the report have called for urgent improvements in both the short-term provision of care and long-term planning for separated children, particularly in how Ireland supports them as they transition into adulthood.
The research was funded by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.
