Dublin District Court dealt with two cases involving unaccompanied minors. In one it extended an interim care order for a teenager who had had no contact with his parents and was currently awaiting an international protection interview.In the second a full care order was granted to the age of 18.
The solicitor for the Child and Family Agency (CFA) said the first teenager had presented to the CFA earlier this year having arrived into the country as an unaccompanied minor. He had since been placed in a residential care setting. He had no contact with his mother and his father was believed to be deceased. Efforts to establish contact with family members had been unsuccessful, and the boy had been reluctant to engage with the Red Cross tracing service.
The court heard that the boy had limited English, but a placement had been arranged with the local education and training board to support both language development and education. The teenager had also settled well in his placement and was being supported by staff.
The CFA solicitor said the boy had a known nut allergy and had been provided with an EpiPen. He had recently been hospitalised after becoming unwell while fasting for Ramadan, but had been discharged with medication and was now recovering.
The guardian ad litem (GAL) was supporting the application. His meetings with the teenager had been facilitated through an interpreter app. The boy was keen to begin his education and was happy in his placement and got on well with staff. Observing Ramadan was described as very important to the boy.
The judge extended the interim care order for a period of 28 days.
The District Court granted a full care order for another unaccompanied minor in residential care, who had no contact with his family.
The solicitor for the Child and Family Agency (CFA) said the boy had presented as an unaccompanied minor in late 2025 and had been placed in a residential unit following an assessment. There were no concerns regarding the placement and the boy was reported to be doing well overall. A referral had been made for counselling supports and the court heard the boy was also receiving medical treatment for tuberculosis.
The guardian ad litem (GAL) was supporting the application and said the boy had settled in well in his placement and was engaging positively with staff and peers. School was described as a priority, and he was “very happy” there, having also secured work experience as part of a school programme.
The GAL said the boy had initially struggled with sleep due to worries about family members, with whom there had been no contact, but was now being supported in this regard. Efforts were ongoing through the Red Cross to try to trace his family members.
The court heard the boy’s English had improved significantly since starting school, which had also helped him to make friends. A recent child-in-care review had raised no concerns.
The judge noted the boy was due to reach the age of majority the next year. He granted the full care order and directed that the matter be reviewed in November 2026.