Media Statement | EPIC welcomes greater regulation and oversight of Special Emergency Arrangements, but says more action is needed

EPIC Empowering People in Care welcomes Tusla’s announcement that Special Emergency Arrangements (SEAs) are to be subject to greater regulation and oversight. Bringing emergency placements within an inspection and governance framework is an important step towards strengthening safeguards for children and young people in care. However, it is important to be clear that this is not the end point.

The increasing reliance on SEAs arose because of longstanding shortages in foster care, residential care, special care placements and step-down services. The lack of regulation of SEAs has been a significant concern, and this announcement addresses that. However, these services are not to the same standard of staffing and support that Tusla’s own residential services are required to meet. 

Wayne Stanley, CEO of EPIC, said:

“Better regulation and oversight of Special Emergency Arrangements is a positive and necessary step forward. EPIC welcomes improved accountability and transparency through the published reports of HIQA and the Alternative Care Inspection and Monitoring Service (ACIMS). But this alone will not address the underlying capacity crisis that has left too many children living in temporary and unstable arrangements.

EPIC will continue to advocate for a care system in which no child has to rely on emergency accommodation because of a lack of appropriate placements. Sustained investment is needed to increase foster care, residential care, special care and step-down capacity so that every child can access a safe, stable and appropriate placement when they need it.”

ENDS