RESIDENTS IN north Co Dublin have called on health authorities to relocate a new centre for homeless teenagers after what they say is a marked increase in violent and threatening behaviour.
Grove House, a 10-bed facility for boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 17, was opened last January on the grounds of St Ita’s psychiatric hospital in Portrane. It replaced a similar service based in Dublin city centre, which had failed to meet numerous care standards.
Donabate-Portrane’s community council says it is concerned about “threatening behaviour” aimed at elderly psychiatric patients at St Ita’s, as well as an increase in vandalism and violence over the past six months.
In a statement, the community council said there was a long tradition of care in the area and that locals have always welcomed care facilities. However, the council’s chairwoman, Ita White, said the model of care at Grove Lodge was not working for the community.
“The staff of Grove Lodge are doing an excellent job trying to care for these out-of-the-home teenagers, with limited resources and in an unsuitable location. Siting the facility in Portrane is not in the best interests of the teenagers, the community or the other residents at St Ita’s Hospital,” Ms White said.
“These vulnerable young people are being placed in an isolated area with limited services and activities, away from their families, friends and own communities, which is not in their best interests.”
The HSE has pointed out that the centre has security cameras, with fencing around the perimeter and an intercom system at the entrance gate.
But it has also emphasised that the centre is an open unit as distinct from a detention centre, and most of the young people are in voluntary care and are free to go in and out of the centre.
It has acknowledged that this provides potential for the young people to get involved in anti-social behaviour. However, if this occurs, it says the behaviour is challenged by management and staff and leads to sanctions being imposed on the young people.
“These sanctions may include the withdrawal of privileges, pocket money or participation in activities, and may lead to the ultimate sanction of the young person losing their placement depending on the extent and context of their misdemeanours,” the HSE has said.
Health authorities say they have had a number of constructive meetings with representatives of the Donabate and Portrane area, with a view to “facilitating good communications between the HSE and the local community”.
Fr Peter McVerry, who works with young homeless people, has said the centre’s location is unsuitable for most children, who want to be closer to the city or their communities.
He has also warned that the closure of beds for young people in crisis in the city centre is likely to lead to more homelessness, placing children at even greater risk.