Dublin District Court has ordered the Child and Family Agency to provide a suitable registered placement for a vulnerable 13-year-old boy after he repeatedly went missing from an emergency care arrangement and professionals warned of an immediate risk to his safety.
Judge Conor Fottrell delivered the decision on February 18, 2026 after the case came before the court three times in one week. The child had been placed in a Special Emergency Arrangement, or SEA, because no residential placement was available.
The court heard that the family had been known to social workers for years, with 46 referrals since 2012 concerning his safety and welfare. His mother died in 2022, his father has ongoing addiction issues and he subsequently lived with his maternal grandfather.
During 2024 and 2025 his behaviour deteriorated significantly. Reports before the court included prolonged absences from home, substance use and alleged involvement in offences. Professionals were also concerned that older teenagers and adults might be grooming or criminally exploiting him.
An interim care order was first made in November 2025. Although the Agency regarded the SEA as the only available placement, the court repeatedly expressed concern that it was unsuitable as a long-term arrangement.
By February the child had gone missing from care more than once. The social worker and Guardian ad Litem told the court there was a potential risk to his life. At the latest hearing he remained missing.
Judge Fottrell said SEAs are unregistered and unregulated arrangements, often involving rented apartments, hotels or B&Bs, and said their use for children such as this boy must end.
The court extended the interim care order for one week and granted the Guardian ad Litem's section 47 application, directing the Agency to provide a suitable and appropriate registered placement meeting the child's needs. The case will remain under close court review.