High Court Hears Sexual Exploitation Cases Amid Worsening Special Care Staffing Crisis

The High Court on Monday heard details of the sexual exploitation of two teenage boys, including alleged rape while drugged. These separate cases involved boys for whom Tusla sought special care detention orders.

The court also heard about a worsening «staffing crisis» at Crannóg Nua, north Co Dublin, the largest special care unit. Sarah McKechnie, barrister for Tusla, stated that the unit's capacity is «highly likely to be reduced» further from five to four beds «in coming days.» Currently, only 15 of 26 special care beds are open due to recruitment and retention challenges for special care workers.

One boy, involved in serious drug use and criminal exploitation, was granted a detention order. He has frequented the house of a convicted child rapist, who he claims provided him with GHB, a «date rape» drug. The boy disclosed regular blackouts and anal pain, suggesting sexual assault. He also reported sexual exploitation by another adult and suicidal ideation, driven by efforts to obtain drugs.

Another teenage boy, being groomed by a criminal gang and in a relationship with an older drug-selling woman, also received a detention order. He is reportedly sent to receive sexual favors as payment for drug debts. Despite 31 referrals to Tusla since age 13 and a history of going missing, no bed was available for him.

The judge noted that three other boys, ordered to be detained in special care, also lack beds. One teenager, ordered detained on March 16th, has been missing 34 of 43 days from his current placement, with escalating drug use. Concerns for another boy, threatened with stabbing, have «escalated drastically,» with his advocate stating he is at «serious risk of harm including death.» The judge called it «an absolute disgrace» that four boys cannot access beds, stating a young boy «may die because he isn’t in special care.»