"The Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting restrictions have had a particularly heavy impact on vulnerable and marginalised children, none more so than those who require the protection of the State through the child care courts," says the Irish Times in this opinion piece. The article describes the impact of the crisis on vulnerable children and their families, including the impact on face-to-face contact between children in care and their parents, the strain on parents already struggling with addiction or mental health issues, and the delivery of services for families.
"The State has committed to a number of international agreements which stress that priority must be given to the needs of children at times of crisis. These latest reports from the child protection courts highlight the need for special attention to be paid to this most vulnerable group of children who require the protection of the State."