The National Review Panel publishes its 2022 Annual Report

The National Review Panel (NRP), chaired by Dr Helen Buckley, has today published its Annual Report for 2022. The Annual Report shows that a total of 23 deaths of children and young people in care of or known to child and family services were notified in 2022, representing a decrease of four compared with 2021.

Five young people under 18 years whose deaths were notified were in care at the time of their death (four died from natural causes, and one from suicide), the same number as in 2021. The remaining children or young people were living in their communities and there was a decrease of one in the number of deaths of young people using aftercare services.

Of the 23 deaths notified in 2022:

• Fifteen died as a result of natural causes
• Four died by suicide
• One was accidental
• A further three were unknown (where the coroner/postmortem has not reached a conclusion as to cause of death)

Commenting on the Annual Report, Dr Helen Buckley, Chairperson of the National Review Panel said: “On behalf of the NRP I wish to extend my sincere sympathies to families, friends and all those affected by the deaths of the children and young people reviewed by the National Review Panel in 2022. The death of a child is an unthinkable tragedy and one which has a profound effect on many.

I would like to express my appreciation to the family members who participated in interviews last year and gave us valuable insight into their situations as service users. We acknowledge that the experience was, at times, difficult for them. We also express appreciation for the willingness of professionals to speak with us and acknowledge that it was a stressful experience for many of them. Particular appreciation is expressed to the Tusla staff members who made practical arrangements and provided support to families participating in online interviews.”

As in earlier years, the annual report continues to illustrate the dearth of services for children with suicidal intent and the variation in the services provided nationally by CAMHS.  In certain areas, CAMHS services have been very effective, and the service has been cooperative with Tusla and flexible in its approach. In other areas, services are extremely limited with very high thresholds for entry. The impact of these restrictions on Tusla’s ability to promote the welfare of children, particularly those with suicidal tendencies, is evident in cases notified to the NRP.

You can view you National Review Panel Annual Report for 2022 here.