Green Party Reveal More Children In Care Without Social Workers In Wicklow

New data shows a growing crisis in the child protection system in County Wicklow, with a rising number of children in State care left without an allocated social worker.

Figures provided to Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman reveal that, across Dublin South West, Kildare, and West Wicklow, the percentage of children without a dedicated social worker has jumped from just over 6% in 2024 to 23% today.

This increase comes despite the total number of children entering care remaining stable.

The lack of an assigned social worker leaves vulnerable children without consistent oversight or support, raising concerns about their well-being and access to services.

Green Party spokesperson for children Lourda Scott described the figures as “unacceptable.”

The Greystones councillor has called for urgent government action, including a review of staffing levels and a mandatory recovery plan for regions where allocation falls below 95%.

“This is a fundamental service failure,” Scott said. “Every child in care deserves a voice and consistent support, no matter where they live.”

The figures highlight stark regional disparities, with areas like Mayo maintaining zero percent unallocated, while Wicklow faces one of the fastest-growing gaps in social worker allocation.

This latest data adds urgency to calls for reforms to ensure that all children in State care receive the professional support they need.

Greystones Councillor Scott said these figures show that access to basic professional support depends too heavily on location.

“Every child in care deserves consistent support. It is deeply concerning that in some parts of the country, more than one in four children do not have a dedicated social worker. Several regions have seen an alarming deterioration in just two years, including here in our county. In Dublin South West, Kildare and West Wicklow, the number of children without an allocated social worker has risen sharply from just over 6 per cent in 2024 to 23 per cent today. That is a very significant increase in just two years. 

Councillor Scott says preventative measures are urgently required to address what is an escalating situation:

In the Dublin East region, which covers the rest of Wicklow, the figures are also moving in the wrong direction, with 6 per cent of children now without a social worker. While the increase has not been as steep, it is still a worry. It is unacceptable that vulnerable children have effectively no professional oversight and are left to navigate the system unsupported. It is also unacceptable that resources for support may not be available if you happen to live in the west of the County. This makes no sense and is very unfair to children and families already struggling.”