Court grants orders on boy’s detention at secure care facility

The High Court has made orders continuing the detention of a 12-year-old boy, whose behaviour was putting his life at risk, at a special secure unit for troubled minors.

Late last month the Child and Family Agency (CFA) secured temporary orders from the Court allowing it to detain the boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons.

The matter returned before the Court on Wednesday when Mr Justice Denis McDonald made fresh orders keeping the boy at the secure care unit, where the minor will continue to get the support and services he requires.

The orders granted by Mr Justice McDonald replaced similar ones granted by Mr Justice David Holland last week.

Mr Justice McDonald also welcomed a report from the boy’s court appointed guardian that he has been doing well since he was placed at the secure unit.

While the boy had been “out of control” before being placed in the unit it was hoped that he would continue to make progress while in the secure facility.

The agency represented in the proceedings by Cormac Hynes Bl instructed by Mason Hayes and Curran solicitors, had sought orders in respect of the boy as a matter of urgency due to concerns about his health and welfare.

The court previously heard that prior to his detention the boy had not been taking prescribed medication he requires to treat a potentially serious medical condition.

Doctors treating the boy said that his failure to take his medication could result in the minor’s death.

The boy had been in the care of the CFA but in recent weeks he had been absconding from the non-secure facility where he had been placed by the agency.

The court heard that he had often stayed away from his placement overnight.

The CFA was also feared that the boy was involved in illegal drug dealing, had a fascination with criminal gangs, and had been exploited by older individuals involved in criminality.

The court was also told that the boy had been found with sums of cash on his person.

He had refused to give any explanation as to how he acquired the money.

He had also engaged in threatening behaviour towards others and was further feared to be under threat himself form other individuals.

As a result of the CFA put in process an urgent application over the Christmas holidays for court orders allowing it to detain the boy in a secure location where he could access the help and supports, he needs.

On Wednesday lawyers for guardian and the boy’s parents supported the CFA’s application for orders extending his detention at the facility.

The matter will return before the High Court later this month.