In the past two years, five children have died in state care and another 30 youngsters known to child protection services also died, new figures show
Allegations of sexual and physical abuse made by children in care were not fully investigated by health chiefs, scathing reports have found.
'We need to think to the future for our family's needs'
The impact of domestic violence on youngsters was also ignored by staff while some failed to properly assess family members as foster carers.
The criticisms were unveiled in a series of reports that examined the care given to children and young people in the years before they died between 2010 and 2012.
The 60 young people died while either in state care, after care, or when known to Health Service Executive (HSE) child protection services. More than 20 were from natural causes, 16 suicides, 14 accidents, six to drugs, and three murdered.
Dr Helen Buckley revealed she uncovered so me disturbing findings in a small number of reports she examined.
But she said her greatest concern was for the seven girls and nine young men who died by suicide. The youngest was just 13 years old.
"The significant number of young people that took their own lives highlights the need for staff to be vigilant about any indications of suicidal behaviour or ideation," said Dr Buckley, chair of the National Review Panel (NRP), set up to investigate deaths and serious injuries of children and young people known to social services.
"Some of the young people who died by suicide could have benefited by early intervention when they were young children."
The three-year review by NRP found:
:: 22 deaths in 2010, including two in care, four in after care and 16 known to social services.
:: the number dropped to 15 in 2011, including two in care, one in aftercare and 12 known to social services.
:: a record 23 died last year, including three in care, two in after care and 18 known to social services.
:: 2012 figures included eight children aged five or under, seven between six and 16 years, and eight aged 17 to 20.
:: nine of those died by suicide, seven of natural causes, four in accidents, two in road crashes and one was murdered.
Most recent figures show 17 young people have died so far this year while known to HSE child protection services.
independent.ie