Dublin District Court expressed significant concern in a matter where a 13-year-old child in care had been missing for several days.
It was reported that the child had been missing for approximately four days and had only briefly resurfaced to collect belongings. The situation was described as extremely concerning, particularly given that the child was in the care of the State.
The solicitor for the Child and Family Agency (CFA) confirmed that the child had made contact with his care unit the night before and had requested they take down posts from social media relating to him being missing. The solicitor informed the Court he had told his Care Unit he “does not want to be found”.
The guardian ad litem (GAL) noted deep concern and indicated that the situation highlighted the need for a placement where the child could be properly supported.
In his remarks, the Judge described the situation as “extremely concerning” and noted the seriousness of a child in care being unaccounted for. He queried the seeming inability of the CFA to meaningfully search for the child. He directed that the matter be re-entered in those circumstances and that the concerns regarding the child’s welfare and safety be formally recorded.