EPIC (formerly the Irish Association of Young people in Care) welcomes the publication of today’s reports published by the HSE on the deaths and serious incidents of children in care. EPIC would like to offer its sympathies and condolences with the families and friends of the young people that have died. As tragic as any death is, it is important that we welcome the review of these deaths and that we take this opportunity learn from the recommendations put forward by Helen Buckley and the National Review Panel.

The Director of EPIC, Jennifer Gargan said “The death of any young person is an absolute tragedy. We must now see how we can learn from any mistakes made, and continue to improve our services. The importance of inter agency communication cannot ever be underestimated, and we cannot presume that vulnerable young people involved with numerous services are actually engaging with them.”

The level of transparency and analysis of these deaths and serious incidents must be seen as a positive development in our fight to learn from our failings and improve the care we provide to all children and young people. EPIC has raised numerous concerns, along with others, about the provision of adequate aftercare services for any young person who has been in the care of the State. EPIC calls on the State to place an obligation on the HSE to regularly link in with every young person who has left the care system – even if the young person does not wish to engage. The State has an obligation to support young people who have been in the care system and ensure that further unnecessary tragedy is avoided.

Contact details:

Jennifer Gargan, Director 

Tel: 01 8727 661
Mob: 086 607 3866

Karla Charles, Advocacy and Policy
Tel: 01 8727 661 Mob: 087 178 4251