Urgent inquiry into sexual exploitation of children in Foster care in Ireland The UCD study

Urgent inquiry into sexual exploitation of children in Foster care in Ireland The UCD study found evidence of organized child sexual predators.

Researchers have called for an immediate investigation into the sexual exploitation of teenagers in the foster care system after "deeply disturbing" findings.

A new study released today by UCD's Sexual Exploitation Research Program has found evidence of organized sexual predators targeting children in care.

The researchers interviewed staff from 14 agencies working with children, as well as senior Garda and Tusla officers. A recent interview described "some horrific cases".

She described incidents of "young men leaving the [residential] unit every evening and returning early the next morning in taxis, sometimes drugged in a very bad state, to be taken to nearby hotels.".

“It was a bunch of people—I mean, they were taking these kids all over town in a taxi. They are called in the evening. They bring them to hotels and all the rest.

Another described a case of a teenage girl of about 15 or 16 who was "seriously exploited by a group of men who called her every night of the week."

"There was just a stream of cars going and coming back... with new clothes and new jewelry... this was her reward."

The study identified uncertainty about reporting their suspicions and a culture of discomfort about discussing sexual exploitation.

The research issued a number of recommendations arising from the findings, including the Health Information and Quality Authority's (HIQUA) audit of residential care centres.

HIQA should immediately investigate and take further action on revelations that children and youths under the care of SATE are being systematically targeted for sexual exploitation, the study said.

Also, the Department of Child and Youth Affairs should develop a national policy to protect children from sexual exploitation.

There have been calls for more support and training for professional care staff in residential care centres, adequate resourcing for specialist garda units, training for gardaí to understand the risks and complexity involved in sexual exploitation and improved investigations into what happens to children.

Co-author and researcher Dr Mary Canning described the study's findings as "very disturbing".

"They show the incredible challenge faced by the people who are expected to protect some of our country's most vulnerable children," Dr Canning said.

“To be honest in their accounts, our report uses first-hand testimony, which shows the obstacles faced by professionals who are absolutely committed to protecting children.

What they witness as children are targeted, groomed and sexually exploited is harrowing. The need for policies, training and other supports to help those on the frontlines is exposed for all to see.

“We welcome the openness of Tusla and the Gardaí in engaging with our research and the examination of their findings. Action is needed now to ensure that all children are protected from groups of men intent on committing crimes and harm.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio One's Morning Ireland this morning, association researcher Ruth Breslin said researchers had heard of cases of "cars lining up overnight" outside residential care homes.

"What happens to some of these young girls is they say, 'I'm going out with my boyfriend.' Actually it's about a predator targeting the young, preying on their vulnerability.

"Vulnerable children are here and really need to be protected," she said, calling on HIQUA to act "urgently" to conduct an investigation.