Media Statement: EPIC Welcomes Special Care Review and Urges Government Action
20 May 2025
EPIC, Empowering People in Care, welcomes the publication of the Report of the External Review Group on Special Care. It represents an important step towards improving the care and support available to some of the most vulnerable children and young people.
While the authors identify limitations of the report – chief among them that children in special care arrangements were not consulted- it nonetheless highlights significant challenges in the provision of special care, particularly regarding the recruitment and retention of staff, and offers positive solutions.
EPIC is concerned about the proposed tightening of criteria for access to special care. While it is not without merit, any move in this direction must be considered carefully and within the wider context of the care system.
Raising the threshold of access must not create new gaps that children and young people could fall through. The recommendation for the development of specialist ‘High Support Units’ as an alternative intervention or ‘step down’ service from special care is welcome in this regard, as is the recommendation towards the joint commissioning of specialist services.
Wayne Stanley, CEO of EPIC, said: “The report published today is a positive contribution, but we are conscious that many good reports have come and gone. Progress will be measured in the implementation of the recommendations and the improvement in the lives of children and young people.”
“Joined-up thinking and strong inter-agency collaboration will be needed to ensure that services are coordinated and effective, but these children and young people also must have a champion in Government. Minister Foley must bring the resources of her department and the support of her cabinet colleagues to bear on the current situation in special care.”
“As set out in the report, progress can be achieved through sufficient staffing and resourcing and the provision of proper follow-on placements, ensuring that those children who need special care have the support and stability they deserve.”
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