Ballydowd Abuse
Fire hose turned on girl (15) in disgraced childcare centre
By John Whelan
A high powered fire hose was turned on a teenage girl at the Ballydowd childcare unit because she refused to get out bed. The secure childcare unit is at the centre of this week’s damning HIQA report which recommends its closure on a litany grounds of no longer being suitable to properly look after at- risk children in its care. The report by the Health Information and Quality Authority cites no fewer than 14 counts in which the multi-million purpose built unit fails to meet the required standards. The unit built nine years ago at the cost of €13 million only partly met the necessary standards in 20 other categories.
It has also been established that when two staff members assisted the child in making a formal complaint in relation to the fire hose incident they in turn were suspended for a lengthy period. They were later re-instated after being told that their allegations were deemed spurious and malicious. However, the assault allegation remains under investigation after the incident was reported to Lucan Garda station. Eyewitnesses claim that the girl was fired hosed by a senior staff member as other horrified care workers watched on, and other children present jeered and cheered.
Whistleblowers among the staff at Ballydowd remain fearful that they will be identified and victimised. They maintain morale is at an all time low, that there is no confidence in the management, the independence or integrity of the complaints process. This is borne out in the HIQA report which has led to the imminent closure of the State’s main secure unit for highly disruptive children. Following the fire hosing incident on February 4th last these concerns and a raft of other problems were brought to the attention of the authorities at the highest level within the Department of Health and the HSE.
"the allegations are unfounded, ‘malicious in nature and without any substance.’" - Hugh Kane, Assistant National Director with the HSE
After the Ryan Report we were assured that things like this would never happen again, that children would be put first and whistleblowers protected but there is still no transparency in how the HSE does its business and investigates complaints. The findings in this excellent HIQA report are to be welcomed, but no one is being held accountable for what has gone on at Ballydowd and there is the loss of the 18 high support beds at the unit and there is a dire need for this kind of care and intervention as ordered by the High Court,” maintains Nick Butler, a former manager at Ballydowd now working in the private sector.
These sentiments are echoed by Jennifer Gargan of the Irish Association for Young People in Care.”If you move all the staff, the children and the same management and practices you are only moving the problems to a different location. You’re not really addressing the issues at all.”
The HSE proposal is to relocate the children and staff from Ballydowd, west Dublin to Crannog Nua, an identical unit in Portrane.
In stark contrast with this week’s scathing HIQA report a letter to all Ballydowd staff on May 29th from Hugh Kane, Assistant National Director with the HSE stated, “In the interest of the protection of children I decided to establish an investigation to look into these anonymous allegations. The investigators have now completed their report and they advise that the allegations are unfounded, ‘malicious in nature and without any substance.’” A HSE statement this week also maintained that the decision to transfer the services from Ballydowd “was based on the general suitability of the building and facilities. A special project team, including child care professionals, is already working to oversee the transfer of services and to ensure that this is done with the least disruption to services. This project team has already begun consultations with all of the parties involved in Ballydowd. These talks are on-going and are aimed at ensuring the smooth transition of services over the coming months.”
For its part HIQA’s report stated; “Serious difficulties of trust between management and staff impacted negatively in the unit and presented itself as a crisis of confidence and authority on the management of the challenging and high risk behaviour, the rate of absconding and security, issues regarding recording and notifications of significant incidents, and a confidence in using the complaints procedures or raising concerns about care practices. There has been a history of difficulties in the SCU and despite significant efforts to improve the situation inspectors had evidence from a range of sources that these difficulties had worsened. The difficulties described to inspectors represented a reciprocal lack of trust between senior managers and many staff.”
HIQA inspectors also noted that, given the absence of staff owing to maternity, sick and administrative leave and “difficulties within the management and staff team as described to the inspectors, there were not enough staff to run the unit consistently and safely. It was not clear on the second day of inspection whether the unit could be safely staffed over the coming weekend. Figures given to inspectors of those due to be on duty looking after a challenging group of 12 highly vulnerable children varied from six to nine.”
Ballydowd has 47 staff and the cost of maintaining a child in care there is estimated at €4,000 per week.
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November 9th, 2009 at 10:22 pm
Its about time somebody had the testicular fortitude to make the truth known about this disturbing incident which the HSE has to this date,(comment moderated by site admin). The incident as you say is currently under police investigation and (if there is any justice) will surely bring a criminal conviction. I am a former employee of the disgraced centre. I am still in close contact with my former colleagues and am well aware of the extremely inappropriate work practices of the senior management. The extremely unqualified and inexperienced ACTING director, who’s responsibility is the “head” carer, never even conducted an investigation, instead (I’ve heard from 13 sources) involved (comment moderated by site admin) in several instances of intimidation and blackmail to force the young girl to change her story. Any body out there whom is in a position to investigate this, I urge you to do so as I am informed that reports have been written regarding this matter. I would also urge anybody who looks into this to speak to the witnesses as anybody else you speak to will surely mislead you. The “investigation” which did take place By the HSE did not involve speaking to any witnesses to the incident. COVER UP..What do you think???
November 9th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
I am not familiar with ballydowd or its work practices i am familiar with …. (comment moderated by site admin)
November 10th, 2009 at 12:11 am
Why are certain people above criticism? How can some people get away with bad practice and people who complain are afraid of reprisals? The HSE want to lay all the stress on the state of the building and gloss over the serious complaints about management and care practises. They want to move the problems to a new building. The system is rotten to the core and the staff keep trying to say so. What is their union doing to help them?
November 10th, 2009 at 9:17 am
It seems to me as a member of the public that there is something very wrong taking place in this children’s home. I am horrified to hear that in 2009 a child can be humiliated at the hands of the most senior of staff, suffer the jeers of their peers, make a complaint to the police and the perpetrator remain in their position. very Irish indeed…
November 10th, 2009 at 10:16 am
I am a staff member currently working in Crannog Nua in portrane. I would just like to say to all you Ballydowd staff, that although I know the closure was not your fault but your directors, I am still very unhappy with you guys pushing us out of our jobs because your own work practices were borderline abusive and in this case actually abusive. we have worked very hard through some tough times of our own and deserve to continue in what we do. (comment moderated by site admin)
November 10th, 2009 at 10:56 am
This article was drawn to my attention through a friend of mine on facebook.I am retired and am a former pupil from artane residential facility, I suffered abuse both physical and sexual at the hands of people in control of your wellbeing. My thoughts are with the young girl who was subject to this abuse and nobody did anything. I am horrified that these practices are still able to happen in this day and age, that ryan report suggested that nothing like this can ever, EVER, happen to a child in the care of the state again. I thought i would go to my grave thinking the trauma I have lived with all my life would never be inflicted on another child in care again. This needs to stop and stop now, no more abuse in residential care please. I will be contacting my local minister to try help that child be heard and i will say a prayer for those who put a child through this trauma.
Gerard.
November 10th, 2009 at 11:33 am
wow lads this shit is mental, I know lads who still work there you cant paint them all with the one brush. Im sure the people at fault will be held accountable.
November 10th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Reading this article is staggering, obviously one knows that all staff at this centre can not be painted with the same brush & bravo to those who stood up to the most senior of staff to highlight this terrible abuse of a child.
I find it appalling that in this day & age, this abuse is still going on- after the many, many years Irish children suffered at the hands of their “carers” and almost worse again, that people are still trying to cover-up & hide the facts. This type of behaviour must not be tolerated in Ireland again……
I hope that the child in question gets their story heard & the perpetrator gets their just punishment.
November 10th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
I dont wish to offend anybody as I do not know enough about the matter to pass Judgement on anybody, However I must say that if a Hose was turned on a child for such reasons, surly that person should no longer be allowed to work with children let alone manage a centre.
November 10th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
i know wen u read the report it is really bad but this is just one story and ok i know there r probaly more but wat about the good things tat happen there too and i know there is good stuff and alot of young people are really helped. dont judge the place and the staff over one story and one person…….
and hugh the staff of ballydowd didnt ask to be put in cran og they were moved there do u really think they want to be there….give them a brak it hard for them too.
November 10th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
DISGUSTING is the only word that sprung to mind when I heard about this. We in this counrty continue to have the stigma of Clerical Abuse & Institutional Abuse hanging over us, and now we find that no lessons have been learned as abuse is brought to the for again. Who is vetting these senior members of staff & are the actualy qualified to be dealing with children/teenagers.
As with many of these scandals it has taken one or two in positions of authority to tar all the professional and caring staff who are trying to make a diffeerence (I’m sure it can’t be an easy job and I’m sure many have children of their own).
Why is this person/persons still allowed to hold their position within the unit.
Why did the HSE announce last week that they were moving premises and NOT REVEAL the truth. Typical in this country, trying to sweep the problem under the carpet, again.
Will the HSE report on this matter be made public?
November 10th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
hugh
i think your anger is very misdirected,it is very important that you realise that the abusive incident with the firehose was undertaken by one staff member in ballydowd to the horror & upset of other staff members who are constantly working as best they can.
it was not a staff decision to close ballydowd.
i would like to ask why does ballydowd have to close at all.surely it would be more beneficial to the vulnerable children to have this person removed……..or must we continue this shameful irish legacy of cover up instead
(comment moderated by site admin)
November 10th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Reading these responses i’m amazed that ALL the focus seems to be (comment moderated by site admin)
November 10th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
as a former care worker, i’m really annoyed that there has been no mention of the childrens ombudsman in any of the posts.
when I worked in the HSE,there was a real sense of new beginnings in the childcare field, there was new legislation and there was a brand new facility, which was supposed to be at the “cutting edge of childcare” , its name was Ballydowd, and it was to special care, what wheatfield prison was to the outdated prison regime.
Yet again we have a major failing in our system,LET US NOT FORGET THAT THIS CHILD WAS PLACED IN THIS CENTRE FOR HER OWN SAFETY, IF WE CANT PROTECT HER …….(comment moderated by site admin), WE MAY AS WELL PUT HER BACK INTO HARMS WAY, ON THE STREETS. SHAME ON US ALL
November 10th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
I have been informed by a former staff member in Ballydowd that …….(comment moderated by site admin). OUR KIDS IN CARE DESERVE BETTER, I THOUGHT THE DAYS OF ” SUFFER LITTLE CHILDREN ” WERE A THING OF THE PAST.
November 10th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
I cant believe that this abuse story has not hit the newspapers, one of the biggeset scandles this year and not in the paper? i wonder have we come accustom to abuse in residential care stories, have we normalised these tales of abuse. When paddy doyle wrote the “god squad” he said “bad things happen when good people do nothing”, i believe staff should carry some of the blame for not preventing this situation and those who inflicted it should hold their heads in shame, if they even care. Terry you are so right these kids are in need of care and safety with people they can trust and the people they think they trust behave in a manner that puts our society to shame. This cannot continue and i will be writing to every newspaper to voice my concerns. Gerard i am sorry you have witnessed this institutional abuse raise its ugly head again in your life-time maybe your voice will be heard the loudest as you know what this kid is going through, god bless her.
November 10th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
there are a lot of questions that need answers here. Why were 2 staff who helped the child to make a complaint put on leave? Was the person involved in the hosing put on leave? What investigation did the HSE carry out? was there a garda investigation?
(comment moderated by site admin) Who allowed the place to run down? Was there no budget for maintenance? if Crannog in portrane was built at the same time to the same plan how come its in much better order?
How was all this allowed to happen?
November 10th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
(comment moderated by site admin)
November 10th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
Who will be held accountable? (comment moderated by site admin). Is there not a chain of command for a reason?
November 10th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
I am as horrified by this cowardly and cruel act and abuse of responsibility by the staff member as I am disgusted at (comment moderated by site admin) this child’s suffering. It has all the hallmarks of Neary and our shameful history of clerical abuse. I say to the whistleblowers hold your heads high and be proud of yourselves - our country needs your kind now more than ever. There is a stench of selfishness and apathy in our society today which is only added to by (comment moderated by site admin). My thoughts are with the traumatised youth may she be a better and stronger person from this terrifying experience.
November 10th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
(comment moderated by site admin)
November 11th, 2009 at 12:02 am
Hiqa say there a lack of trust between staff and management. Search the web looking for something on this and came across this report. http://www.bailii.org/ie/cases/IEHC/2008/H331.html.
No smoke without fire ???
November 11th, 2009 at 12:31 am
I looked at past hiqa reports and up to April this year. Searches show problems since it opened. Web search shows roits, staff on strike and then nothing from 2004 to present. What changed since then. (comment moderated by site admin)
What’s the story here, seems usual problem of public servants looking after there own nest and to hell with the patients at the end of the day. Need to ask the right questions to get the right answers. Ann
November 11th, 2009 at 1:43 am
Anne, you need to read between the lines here, its very obvious (comment moderated by site admin). TRYING TO SAY PEOPLE ARE “LOOKING AFTER THEIR OWN NESTS” IS DISINGENOUS TO THE BLAMELESS CARE STAFF, WHO DO A REALLY WONDERFUL JOB IN EXTREMELY CHALLENGING CIRCUMSTANCES. PUBLIC SERVANTS ARE NOT ROBBERS, ANNE, EVEN IF THE GOVERNMENT WOULD LIKE YOU TO THINK THEY ARE.
November 11th, 2009 at 2:03 am
(comment moderated by site admin) WHY HAVE THE GARDAI NOT CARRIED OUT A FULL INVESTIGATION INTO THE ASSAULT ????
November 11th, 2009 at 2:10 am
Terry, u seem to miss my point and seem to be well connected to the guy whose on full pay for last three years. (comment moderated by site admin) Thanks god for HIQA, its the only thing that makes this crap come to light. Public servants, I ask U???
November 11th, 2009 at 2:35 am
Terry, where exactly can i find this objection as i have looked through the south dublin county council site and cannot find it.
November 11th, 2009 at 8:48 am
Hold on. 150k for nothing or SOMETHING? The school objects to planning but not Ballydowd. The staff against their managers. Holy disharmony Batman. Crannog against Ballydowd.
Anyone there working for the kids.
Terry are u a politician as you don’t address the question asked but just make the statement you desire. (comment moderated by site admin)
Anne - have you anything that you can shed on this? Nice to see someone addressing the other side of the story.
Hello Ballydowd staff - any of you got anything positive to say about the place.
Any kids who have been to Ballydowd - what is your side.
Interesting how many people are willing to take a statement from someone to fuel their own views. I am surprised the likes of Barnardo’s would respond to a report in the manner they have. Is the report any good.
SSI come on and join the party and explain how you can fail a standard by producing two reports a year when only one is required. See reference to the External Examiner and how do you fail a standard when the social workers for kids dont know what services they can expect from the unit and then you direct your recommendation to the HSE and social workers. Let me get this straight - the problem is the lack of knowledge of the social workers not working in Ballydowd and you address the recommendation to the HSE and social workers and then you fail Ballydowd. GREAT work. Would you care to blame crannog as they appear to be spitting anyway.
Lets hear more from the quiet people.
November 11th, 2009 at 10:07 am
Ballydowd staff communicating with the media are under the threat 0f disiplinary action
November 11th, 2009 at 10:40 am
Thank you paul for bringing everybody back to the topic at hand, its the like of these petty threats and gagging attempts that facilitated the abuse that has taken place of a child in care. Staff have the obligation to report abuse and the public have the right to know about it. This story is about assault abuse and cover up, this should be investigated properly by any means. for those of you who are discussing anything other than assault abuse and coverup please dont manipulate this forum for your own benifit as the aim of this article is to highlight instituional abuse and coverups still happen. Less we forget there is a child at the end of this abuse.
November 11th, 2009 at 10:58 am
Paul you are one pathetic individual. I certainly hope you are not in the child care profession, threatening carers not to report abuse to the media. A CHILD AT THIS HSE FACILITY WAS FIRE HOSED FOR REFUSING TO GET OUT OF BED. WHAT IS THE HSE DOING ABOUT IT?
November 11th, 2009 at 11:05 am
Typical response from the powers that be !! The Nazis are back
November 11th, 2009 at 11:33 am
I dont understand why the child did not complain to her social worker? has she got a social worker? confused….
November 11th, 2009 at 11:41 am
There is a lot of comments on here but there does not seem to be any action by anybody!!! people arguing over who did what and why.
The simple fact is, if there in anything untoward going on I would assume it would have been brought to light considering the recent media hype.
People seem to be very angry here but I see no reports re this in national media and considering the recent Ryan report I would have thought that if there was anything concrete here the national media would jump on it.
November 11th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
x i completly agree i am confused about the lack of media attention considering the concrete nature of the asault what i mean by that is its
(a)concrete that the child complained to the police,
(b)concrete that staff complained to the police
(c)concrete that staff did their best to highlight the assault
Its concrete a crime happened and if the offender remains part of child-care that will be a mystery. Again we must not forget about the victim and the traumatic experience inflicted on her why would she trust anybody again.
November 11th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
x, considering the threat by paul im sure the people who know the truth feel very theratened for telling their story. wow its like the dark ages. That threat seems to be concrete.
November 11th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
As a freelance journalist I have tried my utmost to highlight injustice, wrong doing and abuse of people and abuse of authority, position and power. It is sad to say that such things are occurring in 2009 and seems to hark back to the kind of events we thought we had left behind from a different era. I have endeavoured to write this report with the interests, welfare and wellbeing of children at heart. However, we live in such litigatious times it is understandable that the main stream media are fearful of libel actions being taken against them. No one has been charge or for that matter formally accused of anywrongdoing at Ballydowd. No one has certainly been convicted of any crime. In the best interests of the children and the serious issues at stake here could I ask people posting comments (which are welcome and to be encouraged for a free and fair debate and disclosure) to desist from any personalised remarks and comments that accuse and identify an individual as this potentially could have legal implications for me and the website’s ability to publish reliable, accurate and credible information. As some of the comments already posted may have come close to identifying particular staff members at Ballydowd this is not appropriate and compromises the possibilities of having anyone held accountable. Please see the bigger picture and keep the comments fair, legal and on the issue rather than on any individuals. Otherwise I will have no choice but to remove such posting from the site. Thank you
November 11th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
John,
I completely agree with you. I also work in the media and was appalled to see some of the comments posted. I understand that people are angry and i am too but how would any of you feel if it was your comment that lead to whoever is guilty of this disgusting farce escape criminal conviction because of WHAT YOU POSTED? Think about it everyone, if you care then by all means post your thoughts however make sure that you dont ruin any chance this case has ever being successful in court.
Thanks,
Sid
November 11th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
John
Excellent Journalism. One strange aspect that upsets me is that everyone automatically thinks a man is the perpetrator.(comment moderated by site admin)
November 11th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
As a former member of staff at Ballydowd it frightens me to see such anger and hostility on this forum. It seems this blame game has little to do with children and more to do with people’s ego’s. While everyone is trying to outdo each other with their righteousness the children are still there and still vulnerable. While everyone is so busy being angry - who is taking care of the kids?
Is anyone taking personal responsibility for anything?
The truth is if society feels justified in locking children up for the sins of their parents then these kind of incidents are bound to happen. These days we tell our children that their experiences of abuse are “not their fault” yet we lock them up when their lives go out of control because of these experiences. What kind of message is this giving them? As children they have not forgotten yet that they have a right to be free - of course they are going to rebel if we try to deprive them of this freedom. It may look like I am off the subject here but I believe this is the core of the problem. Stop locking children up for the sins of their parents! Stop disguising this practice by suggesting it is for their safety! It does not work! Have we not learned yet that children are not safe in locked institutions? If we get rid of these prison like institutions (and this is what they are) there will be less opportunity for this kind of abuse.
Finally I’d like to say ,I took a position in Ballydowd because I genuinely wanted to make a positive difference in these childrens lives. I believe that while working in Ballydowd I did. I know many wonderful people who worked and still work there with the same intention - and who have given their heart and soul to these children. The children know these people and know what they have done for them. Please do not tar these care workers that you do not know with this vicious brush. As a member of Irish society you are also responsible for the existence of such institutions - is it easier for you to have these children off the streets and out of your way? And how much easier is it for you to then lay all the blame on the very people who are caring for them. People who don’t know the inside of these walls don’t know what they are talking about - how can you? I left Ballydowd because I felt the institution did not allow for me to give what I had to offer these kids - I knew I could be of more help elsewhere. It is not the people but the institution that does not work. I implore all of you amazing caring people at Ballydowd who have so much to give those kids to remember who you are, why you are there and to not get caught up in this craziness. Take PERSONAL responsibilty for your purpose . Make honesty your standard - stick to your truth - it will prevail in the end. I wish all of you the very best.
November 11th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
So much for freedom of speech, the guilty win again it seems
, the person who hosed the girl has the power, and the people
who report what they know to be true, have their comments edited
and are threathened by (comment moderated by site admin) , if they have
nothing to hide, they should let the media visit the centre and talk freely to the staff team , it’s called
open dialogue
November 11th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
I suppose the question is - Are you courageous enough to speak your truth openly despite the threats?
November 11th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Excellently put Grace!! And Terri.. u clearly have a personal vandetta and your own agenda. We are all aware who you are!!!! Name yourself publicly if you dare!!!!
November 11th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
A huge oppotunity for change here - hope people have the courage to take it
November 11th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
i wasn’t threatening anyone, mearly stating a fact. I highlighted this point so people would understand why Ballydowd staff are not talking.
November 11th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
Grace,
If you no longer work at Ballydowd why are you not using your real name?
November 11th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Of course you are right D. What am I doing asking others to have courage to be open if I don’t have it myself? The truth is I don’t want to get involved in all of this hatred - I have a peaceful life now and want to keep it that way. Maybe that makes me a coward or maybe its just that I value peace - your opinion on that is up to yourself. I suppose I thought that a perspective of one person who knows about Ballydowd that is not full of blame might have shed a helpful light on the subject - maybe not. Apologies if I have offended anyone.
November 11th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
I also worked at Ballydowd a few years back. There have always been very dedicated staff working there who truly care for the children in their care. In my time there, I saw amazing positive changes brought about in very damaged and vulnerable children because of the care staff working on the floor day in day out with these children. The work the care staff do is very very difficult. They are regularly verbally abused, often physically abused - some quite seriously - and yet they go back in and care for the kids like they did before. The true care staff know these kids are not there because they are bad; they are placed there because they are in crisis and need care and attention and to be allowed to learn how they should behave in a way that does not lead them into crises in the future. The problem lies with senior management making decisions that are driven by needs other than the children in their care. From what I understand from previous colleagues, there is no support from management to staff; there is no trust from staff to managers. Certain members of the senior management structure seem to think they can get away with behaving how they wish. Something stinks in the management structure! Don’t blame the people at the front line, those who work face to face with these kids. They are the ones who have brought this incident of child abuse to light - and got suspended for doing so! By senior management!
The people who currently work there have been warned they face disciplinary action if they are found to be talking to the media. If I was in charge there and felt like I had nothing to hide, I would be inviting the media in to interview staff and the children about the true living conditions within the confines of the compound.
I still have many friends from my days working in Ballydowd and know these people to be there for the good not just of those children in special care but for the good of the wider society. I am very disappointed it has been let run to the ground the way it has.
November 11th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Grace,
You were celarly affected by your time in BD if you feel that by giving your real name your peacefull life will be threatened and you don’t even work there anymore
November 11th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Please no Trolling or Flaming on this forum. Any comments deemed to be Throlling or Flaming will be moderated or removed by Site Admin.
November 11th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
What is Trolling or Flaming?
November 11th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
Trolling: “In Internet slang, a troll is someone who posts controversial, inflammatory, irrelevant, or off-topic messages in an online community, such as an online discussion forum, chat room or blog, with the primary intent of provoking other users into an emotional response or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion.”
Flaming: “Flaming is hostile and insulting interaction between Internet users. Flaming usually occurs in the social context of a discussion board. It is usually the result of the discussion of heated real-world issues like politics, religion, and philosophy, or of issues that polarise subpopulations. Internet trolls frequently set out to incite flamewars for the sole purpose of offending or irritating other posters.”
Wikipedia.
November 11th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
I also worked at Ballydowd in the past. I did not renew my contract when it ran out, because I felt I could not be part of such an establishment. I would agree that yes, there were good staff there who wanted to help the kids - some very highly trained staff who genuinely wanted to try and make a difference. But the regulations were bizarre (coming down from the then Health Board and management), if you dared suggest anything different or new you were shot down, and the morale even back then was pretty low with staff.
I left at least five years ago and I still think about the kids there in my time and sincerely hope they are doing well. The “system” did them very few favours, despite most care workers on the ground doing their best.
I now work in private practice as a counsellor and still work with clients whose children are in care, and as far as I can see the system has not changed. It is not pro-children, it is pro- protecting the HSE’s back and protecting budgets. The person who comes last is the child, from a system perspective. Clients are lucky if they happen to have someone involved in their case who is not yet overworked, overwhelmed and exhausted from the effort of trying to fight for clients against the system. But burn out is endemic, so even if there is one person who is actively on the client’s side, they are invariably fighting a tough battle against others who have learned to do the minimum, stay below the radar, follow procedure and be grateful they still have a job. What chance have the clients got?
The entire social care system needs a complete review and overhaul, from senior management right down to trainee care worker/social worker. But that will take YEARS and there is no chance it will happen any time soon. All you can do in the meantime is your best for any individual client you have the opportunity to help, and hope it makes a difference for that one person.
November 11th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
the title of this story is “abuse at ballydowd” lets not get derailed here, let justice take its course, i am confident it will. remember “abuse at ballydowd”.
November 11th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
Fire hose turned on girl (15) in disgraced childcare centre
November 11th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
D.
I don’t feel threatened. Yes I was very much affected by Ballydowd. I learned how amazing people can be under enormous pressure. I learned about compassion and forgiveness and true courage - from the kids and my co-workers. These are the lessons I choose to take with me. I also learned about what doesn’t work - I’m seeing a lot of what won’t work here on this forum - that is why I am not getting personally involved. Before I step out altogether I’d like to ask people to stop for a moment and consider what they would like to see happen - for the children and themselves - to think about what WOULD work - not what doesn’t (YOU ALREADY KNOW THIS) and come up with some ideas. You are the people who know. Staying focused on all the things that don’t work will never fix the problem. So you get rid of some people - what then? If nothing else changes it will happen all over again. What kind of a relationship with management would you like to have? What kind of environment do you think would work for the kids? What is your personal role to play in this? Mine was to leave and to go where I was free to make a genuine difference. Don’t be afraid to be the true heroes that you are.
November 11th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Thank you! I am now a little bit more internet savvy!
November 11th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Congratulations John Whelan on your excellent reportage.This is a very valuable opportunity for members of the public to gain an insight into how corrupt modern Irish institutions such as the HSE can be.Is there no oversight ?no arbiter of whats wrong and whats right in this service ? With whom does the buck ultimately stop ? For what purpose was this center degraded ,oppressed and demoralised ? Were the powers that be in this instance afflicted by incompetence or megalomania perchance ? I mean to lose control of such a facility cannot be accidental or just bad luck and to blame the HIQUA inspection smacks of deflection.Is Mr Drumm content with the abandonment of a purpose built and extensively reinforced/rebuilt center such as Ballydowd SCU ? Thirteen million pounds may have built it but many more millions of euro were spent on several comprehensive upgrades to enable the fabric of the campus to withstand the depredations sustained during the course of its purpose.How unfortunate that its replacement facility will now have to undergo similar expensive and comprehensive re-construction.Again , thank you John Whelan for this regrettable expose.
November 11th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
In response to the question “what will work”? I answer this..A structure of openness and honesty, proper inclusive decision making, an open and non intimidating forum for objection, mutual respect between management and staff, a set of rules which nobody is above, a non tolerance of divisions within the staff team, professional leadership, inspiring leadership, motivating leadership, approachable leadership, and a staff team willing to change. A BIG ASK….BUT not impossible.
November 11th, 2009 at 11:54 pm
I was informed of this article by a friend who works in this areaI agree an excellent article, but some of the comments are not helpful in focusing on the real issues which i believe are
did this incident happen as described and if so was the child bullied, threatened or bribed into withdrawing their complaint, by whom and under whos instructions where is this childs social worker or gaurdians in this process after all it is the child who should be the primary concern. who is protecting the member of staff alledged to have committed this abuse and why are they being protected, the staff who took the initial complaint from the child have it appears had their integrity and professionalism brought into question and placed under stress and anxiety from doing their duty according to national standards and guidelines. I do not nor have i ever worked in Ballydowd although i do work in the social care field I am appalled at the apparent breakdown in practice the national standards and inspectorate came into being after many abuses and tragides that befell our clients and colluges in the past, where are these standards and policies and procedures in this case it appears from this to be back to the bad old days of what goes on behind closed doors stays there or else. apoligies for the spelling
November 12th, 2009 at 12:44 am
In 2005 SSI report says there were 105 staff to 12 children and current report says there are 47 to 12 children. Reading other SSI reports reveal that in recent years Ballydowd had twice as many kids as any other facility including Crannog but HIQA make no mention of the undoubted added pressure that must be made. Also, in HIQA report 2005 it says stop institutional practices and in 2006 it says considerable progress made by new general manager. Question - why the sudden change. Are the inspectors covering their behinds by references to the problems but not taking a position. Borrowing from above, do they fear some fire when they see smoke but can’t call it. Should we conclude that improved efficiency is uncalled for in this area. And what about the outcomes. I vaguely recall a newspaper report last week where the high court agreed to the continued detention of the children within Ballydowd so if the high court is not concerned and it gets reports from social workers, guardians and solicitors, is only one side coming out here! Are the above simply vested positions so typical of the public sector?
November 12th, 2009 at 12:44 am
Well done Craig, Finally somebody has something both motivating and inspiring to bring to the forum. We need to move forward, learn from reflection and build upon the excellent work that HAS been done there by both front line staff AND management. This forum appears to be a ground for a minority who use it as a venting process in a spinless fashion, disillusioned by the fact they are been productive. Very evidnet emergence of personal gripes! You are right a big ask but by no means impossible for those who want to move onwards and upwards!
November 12th, 2009 at 12:53 am
at lot of these posts appear to be from staff and ex staff and yes they appear to have an axe to grind but if this incident happened it has to be addressed and for the childs sake it has to be seen to be addressed, move on improve the service but this incident is serious and needs to be resolved
November 12th, 2009 at 1:02 am
my word Mr Whelan you do appear to have opened a veritable can of worms with this one havent you ? Garda investigation , child abuse ,hosed by a senior staff member , jeered and cheered , bullying , extraordinary !!!I must admit to being new to the internet but i really do have a keen interest in current affairs and for a story like this to appear is quite amazing considering the interests engaged in supppressing such revelations .It appears the Ballydowd staff (current)have been successfully gagged by threats of indeterminate suspensions so that they are not allowed contribute to forums such as this , its a form of control or supression or if you like , tyranny. Thank you John.Please continue this forum it will benefit the children in care ultimately.
November 12th, 2009 at 2:43 am
To all serving members of Ballydowd care staff …..use false names if you are afraid of retribution but defend yourselves ..you have read what other members of the social care community have contributed , answer them or you may all be complicit .Crannog dont appear to be grateful for the opportunity to relocate and seem to attach a certain amount of blame on Ballydowd staff . Why does the HSE need to “lose” The good performance of Crannog to enable The Special Care Unit to continue to “muddle through”?will there be a protocol on the use of firehoses in Crannog ? What will be different there ?
November 12th, 2009 at 8:35 am
Where is the Justice in any of this. Presumed Innocent is the cornerstone of our system and yet reading the posts above you would not be a lone if you decided
A. The child was hosed
B. The senior managers are responsible
At best it is an alleged incident until a determination is made. Maybe it has been investigated appropriately and the incident is not considered to be what many of the posters here stated it to be.
Lets not forget that not all if any of the people above where presumably there to witness the event, I know I wasn’t, and if they were not there comments are merely here-say.
I think there is enough material above and in that bailii article to suggest harmony was not something to hear in Ballydowid.
November 12th, 2009 at 10:30 am
I am an ex Hse employee. I am disgusted by some of the comments regarding the care of the Young People in Ballydowd. I have worked with some of the Social Care Workers (Professional title) from Ballydowd and they are dedicated people doing a job that many other Social Care Workers in the Hse are too afraid to do.. It is very easy to stand on the fence and criticise. I have also worked with some of the Young People who have spent a period of time in Ballydowd and in many cases that Unit has saved them from a life of crime and self destruction. I wonder if the other Residential Units would be so open to receiving some of the Young People into their houses so quickly??
November 12th, 2009 at 10:46 am
Z, I agree with your sentiments. Most people commenting are doing so anonymously and while that may be perfectly undertstandable in the circumstances I implore people to desist from any nasty, provocative and personalised comment and stick to the core issues at stake. For the record the only posts that were edited were those which inadvertently or deliberately sought to identify or imply the identity of people who are at the centre of these (as yet unproven) allegations. The site must operate within the bounds of fairness and the laws of libel. We must stive to uphold the same standards in these areas as ony other media platforms such as newspapers or radio. Clearly there is a lot of anger and frustration but the end game should be to bring about improvements and to have those responsibible for any mismanagement or any form of abuse or bullying held accountable. Clearly the HSE have a case to answer on Ballydowd and let’s not lose siight of that in this very valuable and important discussion. Stick to the issues people, stop trying to taunt and finger point at others (at least one contributor is using two different names) and remember we will have to stop the debate if there are any potentially libelous comments. If the fire hose allegations are valid and as we believe witnessed by honest staff members then they will stack up in court. Let the Gardai do their job. But it is abundantly clear there are even bigger issues and systemic failures here at Ballydowd which HIQA have now brought to light and it is the HSE who are running for cover and must be held accountable. We cannot have another state of fear and that is why this debate, if properly conducted is so valuable, as we seek transparency and accountability in 2009 as others did for decades against similar systems.
November 12th, 2009 at 11:13 am
In response to Lucy’s earlier post, I am not a staff mwmber at Ballydowd, and I no longer work in the HSE, I am however in touch with many of the staff and ex-staff of Ballydowd. As this forum is moderated, I can not name and shame the guilty party, I can however state that the person who turned the fire hose on the young girl has a history of bullying allegations (comment moderated by site admin), including one which went all the way to the supreme court. (comment moderated by site admin)
I do not have a personal agenda in this matter, I do have an interest in the welfare of children in care, especially when they are supposed to be in a “place of safety and security “.
To The Moderator, I say well done on an excellent article, please keep up the good work, and if people feel aggreived with my postings, my only concern is for the welfare of children in care, they are among the most vulnerable in our society, and very little is known about what happens behind closed doors.
We have an obligation to keep them safe. I would urge all concerned to contact the ombudsman for children Emily Logan , on freephone 1800 202040
November 12th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Excellent work John…I really hope that people heed your warnings as shutting the discussion down would be playing into the hands of the accused. Please keep the discussion fair and objective and refrain from personal vendettas. Remember “personal vendettas” is after all (according to many) the defense of the “accused”. By all means have an opinion. However, without objection it will lose its merit and again play into those hands. It seems abuse may have occurred, so dont use this forum for your own personal gripes. Ballydowd staff are good, some are even the best there is. With new dynamic leadership, Ballydowd could be the leading facility it was supposed to be.
November 12th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Terri, you are clearly coming to the courts table with unclean hands. Your reference to the supreme court is clearly out of bounds with respect to John’s comments above.
You have used the background to the judgement to support what appears to becoming a personal vendetta. The decision of the court relates to internal university procedures and that is all.
The only other relevant piece is that it refers to multiple cases were the person was shown to have no case to answer. Maybe u are not unlike the plaintiff in that case where apparently having failed to do what was expected of him he reaped a negative consequence and instituted a serious of investigations to now avail.
Returning to topic. How many investigations have there been and how many have concluded. Arguably at least one investigation has been completed and that is the High Court. I speculate on this one but I suspect that the above incident must have been detailed to the high court already as the child is effectively detained by court order. Assuming it has been so detailed I think it reasonable to assume that if it was viewed as negatively as some here make out the legal system would have responded in a manner consistent with many of the calls here ie dismissal. Building on this argument not only has the court reviewed it but also the parent and or guardian.
Far from a cover up if my last hypothesis is true. Merely a story the media missed and now consider lacks credibility. Can anyone confirm if the court was told?
November 12th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Ann, whether or not the court was told of this is of little or no consequence. These horrific allegations i believe should leave every person with a moral conscience asking the question Is this acceptable today? Leaving aside all professional debates and concerns (and this article points to there being many), Ann if this was your child, would you not scream at every person who is willing to listen in order to get justice for your child? Whether true or not this allegation should have/should be fully investigated by an independent investigator, in an open manner. That there is so much speculation as evidenced through this chat board is a sign in itself that the investigations procedures of the HSE are not transparent and this needs to change. It is not just the responsibility of Social Care Workers to protect the interests of our children, it lies with every member of the public to protect our nations most cherished treasures, and to shout about it when that doesn’t happen.
November 12th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Ann, You have prompted me to come and say this with your typical “cover up” jargon. I witnessed the abuse. I saw (comment moderated by site admin)
November 12th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Correction… IN the 2nd line above I wrote saw “you” hose child..That was a mistake. It was meant to say “saw the person”.. Sorry John. genuine mistake.
November 12th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Ann, you know an awful lot about the ins & outs of the “investigation”. Maybe a little too much. From speaking to the witnesses of the hosing, I am informed that NONE of them where involved in the HSE’s so-called investigation. Therefore, that investigation in worthless and only cements the theories of a cover up. Your “hypothesis” only highlights the extent of this COVER UP. Maybe you should speak to all the witnesses like most posters here have done before making such statements. Maybe you’ll be enlightened.
November 12th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
In fact.. I propose that anybody commenting on the nature of the allegation, whether they believe it was sinister or merely trivial, should endeavor to first speak to actual witnesses.
November 12th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Come forward and tell the tale lads - you do not have to identify yourselves directly (and I fully understand why if you don’t), but neither can you identify others - this is potentially damaging to the whole sordid affair. I am aware that there are a great many people monitoring this unfolding story - to any who are watching and in a position to act, I urge you now for the sake of future victims, for the reputation of the Profession and to rescue some sense of personal integrity, ACT NOW or else surely you face the risk of implicating yourselves in this sorry state of affairs.
November 12th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Okay, everyone with the best of intentions I have to bring this discussion to a halt for the moment to allow everyone calm down and consider the core issues and serious consequences of what is at stake here. I have tried to be a responsible editor and not censor any viewpoints no matter how conflicting but the personal accusations and repeated incidents implying the identityo of those at the centre of these serious allegations make it impossible to allow this debate to continue in its current vein or without first vetting the postings before they are published. So please continue to contribute to this discussion and the site, but for the moment on this issue in particular all contributions will have to be vetted first to ensure they are legally sound. Thank you.
November 12th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Where does it stop.Surely the blame is with (comment moderated by site admin). What is Minister Andrews doing about this.I am sicken by the HSE when it comes to childcare in this country.Who are the people that this was reported to in the frist place. What high ranking offical in the dept of chidren and why was it not acted on by them.
November 13th, 2009 at 12:14 am
I Think (comment moderated by site admin) should be dismissed from (comment moderated by site admin) the HSE before any further damage is done to Children.
November 13th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Interesting stuff.
The FACTS appear to be:
1) The Ballydowd physical infrastructure has become unsafe and unfit for housing at-risk children.
2) The Ballydowd management and staff group have severe problems.
3) Crannóg Nua is a successful and well managed unit. It works.
4) Crannóg Nua was physically built to the same plans as Ballydowd.
5) Crannóg Nua (well run) is being disbanded so that its buildings and physical infrastructure can be used by the poorly run Ballydowd group.
6) The HSE portray this as a good solution.
BIZARRE!
November 13th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
The real questions must be:
Why has the HSE has allowed the situation to fester to to this extent?
Why has the unit management not been replaced?
What is stopping the HSE from acting?
I think we should be told!
November 14th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
This incident is a disgrace to the HSE and needs to be resolved, and the person responsible removed from caring for children before any further harm can be done. These children should be cared for and not subject to such abuse
November 16th, 2009 at 12:02 am
I am yet another former ex-ballydowd care worker. My thoughts are firstly with children who have allegedly suffered abuse in the centre, and the absolute need for a root and branch investigation. I would also like to support the staff I worked with when I was there as so many of them were completely dedicated and highly skilled are their jobs.
November 16th, 2009 at 1:40 am
Well said Connor.
What (or who)is stopping the HSE from removing the problem at source.
ie..Removing person in question pending a full inquirey regarding alleged abuse.
Replacing staff at managment level with a new structure that works,thus improving staff moral in general & keeping open a very valuable residential care home for seriously at risk children which was opened at great expense for that very purpose.
If Crannog nua can work then why cant Ballydowd….?
Who is covering up & making excuses & why…?
We all deserve these questions answered.
November 17th, 2009 at 11:01 am
I would like to draw peoples attention to an excellent article written in the Fingal Independent on tuesday 17th nov. The article outlines the righteous anger of locals to the HSE’s under-cover operations. According to the article, Labour senator Brendan Ryan states that ” This decision (to move BD) has been made without any prior consultation with local residents, despite the fact that plans were in place since last year to move the Ballydowd facility,”. …..This also appears to be the general opinion of many staff working in B.D. If it is true, then why are the HSE misleading everybody. Could the alleged assault from february have anything to do with the closure and the mirky way in which it is being Handled. Don’t let this story die..”the truth is out there”
November 17th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Apparently after a visit to Crannog Nua , childrens minister Andrews has reassured the staff and directors there that the Ballydowd facility will only be operating from one unit, and the director of Crannog will remain in post at crannog , the Ballydowd unit will only have capacity for (at most) six young persons, so ask this question , Who will be in charge of the Ballydowd unit , and what happens to the excess staff and unit managers
November 18th, 2009 at 8:50 am
Ann,
You appear to have a very enlightened and unique perspective on the mattter. Do you find it odd that a member of the senior management team would be getting a child out of bed in the first place? this may seem like an insignificant point but i wonder if roles were clear in Ballydowd and if there was a diffusion of duties. I have worked in an environment like this before and believe it to breed confusion, apathy and frustration within the frontline staff as they feel undermined and undervalued. Wwhat do you think?
November 24th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
as always…..the govt solution to a problem is normally worth than the problem itself…….
November 26th, 2009 at 1:52 am
Whow, what an amazing story on Joe Duff’s live line today. Two ex Ballydowd kids putting it all in contxt and saying how the staff went out to stand in the rain with them and saved there lives. A more poignant interview I have not heard in a long time and one needs to wonder where HIQA ia at given the voice of the kids. Why is it being shut down if it is saving kids lifes?
December 6th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
I think the management is a joke all the are good for is bullying staff members and covering up the truth.Let me tell you now what really goes on when them doors are closed,Staff are abused not only by children but by management too.They are afraid to stand up together incase management makes their work place any harder to work in than they have all ready made it.Ballydowd was a great place for children and staff to work at up untill three years ago.New management came and ran the place into the ground.The management could not run a day care centre never mind a secure unit.I pitty the staff in that place they are 100 percent there the children but not allowed to do there job………
December 7th, 2009 at 6:14 am
11 November someone mentioned a huge opportunity for Ballydowd to change they were right a big but its worse now than ever the last few weeks staff have got injured almost every day and night,the kids are not learning anything,they have great teachers there the kids that refuse to go to school should get consequences if they do go they asault teachers so they go back play pool playstation NO NO NO structure STAFF ARE NOT ALLOWED HELP THE KIDS DISGRACFULL GET RID OF SENIOR MANAGEMENT (comment moderated by site admin)
December 7th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
I totally agree with you it is a big joke.Surely head of care are concerned but why thats the big question why haven’t they done anything surely they know whats going on….. or are they as bad as management????????? make us all think its the kids and staff that suffer everyday.Surely every child has the right to be educated not rewarded for not attending school.If an everyday parent has a child out of school more than 25 days without a note from doctor they can be taken to court but for some reason management in this place get away scott free.Can somebody please help me understand why????????Its a disgrace.
December 7th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
I suggest that the newly appointed National Director of Child Care, Mr Waterstone, who recently met with care staff in Ballydowd and thanked them for their dedication to their work should be made aware of recent dangerous events that have taken place in Ballydowd over the weekend.
December 7th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
I have been reading this artical for the past couple of weeks and i find it very difficult to believe that the excellent and dedicated child care workers in Ballydowd have not protested along with their unions at the closure of Ballydowd. Instead of 12 child care places there will only be 6 in Crannog Nua. This is no more than the HSE downsizing the services to these vunrable children.(comment moderated by site admin)
Here is why, it is a big cover up by the HSE! Shame shame shame on the HSE! Shame on the staff for not standing up to the bullies! A facility that has cost the Irish tax payer millions of Euro to build and countless more millions to run over the years is now being closed down having been deliberatly run into the ground by senior management.
December 7th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
can it possibly be true that at last a senior manager in ballydowd has been suspended from her post ? could this be the perp. as referred to in so many postings above ? or could it be smoke and daggers ? a red herring to distract ? or could it be to discredit and silence a righteous accuser ? can anyone substantiate this substantial rumour ?
December 7th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
I’m sorry Imelda, but I do not think that rumor is true. instead, a unit manager at Ballydowd was suspended today for voicing concerns about young people currently living in the centre (sound familiar?). Senior managers obviously wanted these concerns to be kept quiet as it may, or may not be a reflection on their practice? As well allegations about staff have gone through the roof since the announcement of the closure. This is very transparent and everyone can see that it is senior management deflecting and attempting to blame the demise of Ballydowd on staff instead of their own contemptible behavior. To top it all off, there is a very small number of staff (2-3) who are allowing themselves to be used in order to solicit false allegations from vulnerable young people. When Ballydowd closes down, you dispicable people will be held in the same light as you know who. Shame on you all. The place is toxic and highly dangerous at the moment. How can the HSE continue to let these vulnerable kids live in such squalor. Staff members, your careers are in jeopardy. Will someone please shut this place down.
December 7th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
Yes megan, you are right. We all know who those pathetic people are who are screwing over their colleagues. (comment moderated by site admin). Horrible disgusting people. we all know who you are and we wont forget. FILTH….sooooooo easily manipulated.
December 8th, 2009 at 12:28 am
we lost a manager today. put out on “leave” by senior managers. this person was one of the only ones who wasn’t afraid to challenge, ask questions and stand up for the young people so they got rid of her. convienient. it will probably boil down to “she had a vendetta against the director”. Seems to be the most common comeback. Are we all wrong? Are all the people who report dodgy sh*t at Ballydowd wrong? Are all those professionals and teachers, gardian ad litems and social workers and care staff wrong? Why the hell is no one listening to the masses and the people with the power are going by the word of ONE PERSON. why the hell is nothing being done? who is protecting this senior management? Why is no one listening?
December 8th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
To all the staff who are being targetted. Hold your heads up high. We, your colleagues support you 100%. You are being targetted for having a voice and standing up to the bullying and unprofessional practice at Ballydowd. The truth will prevail.
To our manager suspended yesterday, we are so proud of you and 100% behind you. Thank for trying to improve the situation of the young people and of us.
To the small few staff members seeking approval of senior managers by trying to screw over your colleagues, we feel sorry for you for your self esteem is fragile…and this makes you vulnerable and easily manipulated.
December 8th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
I find it incredulous that a site that has the banner “Keeping IT REAL” can print such utter verbal diarrhoea!! You should change your banner to “ARE YOU FOR REAL”!!!! My partner works in the Ballydowd Special Care Unit and I have kept very quiet up until now with all of the allegations and counter allegations that have been “gracing” the pages of this site! However when reading the utter garbage of the last couple of days I have decided that enough is enough! My partner goes into work and on any given day can come home with anything ranging from a balck eye, to bruising to bite marks, and yet the following day she still gets up and goes in. Not for the pay check like some of the wasters that are writing in to this page but because she loves the job and the chance that maybe just one young person that comes through the gates can be helped. I KNOW all of the rumours but I also KNOW all of the facts about what is going on behind closed doors! J. Arnold who is quoted above may well think he knows who are “seeking approval” but I would say that he hasn’t a clue! There are so many cliques in there and they are so busy trying to root out the decent people that put the needs of the children first that they themselves are forgetting about who it is they are put in those positions to help!! We live in a society that is governed by rules and if this “poor Manager” (who I know well by the way) had (comments moderated by site admin)! This (so called) MANAGER has (comments moderated by site admin) go sick when it comes time to fulfill their shifts over Christmas or New Year! GREAT MANAGEMENT TECHNIGUE!!!! These people are the ones who were clapping their hands when it was announced that Ballydowd was closing because they were expecting a big lob from the HSE (well that’s not happening) and are now looking for every and any excuse to blacken the names of the people that actually go into that place to do the job they’re paid for! From where I stand, knowing most of the staff that are writing on your page as I do, I would say to them to “PUT UP OR SHUT UP”!! It’s easy to write anonomously on a page like this and smirk and snigger your way through the day with the other sheep in there. To all those people I say “GROW SOME BALLS”!!! If you’ve something to say then say it and get out of the primary school playground that you have brought this very important issue into! Good people who have worked in Ballydowd and helped change the lives of many children are having their professional reputations tarnished by a few individuals who thought that it would be fun to try and blacken the name of a senior manager by telling lies to HIQA when they were questioned. . . . . . I wonder if the same gobsh*tes would answer in the same blasé manner now if they knew the consequences of their actions. . . . To the owner of this page, shame on you!! You have helped tarnish the good reputations of many, many good people that work in Ballydowd to fuel the fire that these idiots have started. . . . . Great journalism!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 8th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
I would just like to say that in Feb last year, a 15 year old was fire hosed in her bed by a member of senior management. That is what the above article states…all the other bullsh*t underneath is not the journalists fault it’s simply indicative of the environment in Ballydowd.
No one thought they were getting a pay out from the HSE. They wanted the place to shut down because it’s a disgusting place for young people to live and an intolerable place to work.
“Gobsh*te” “Put up or shut up” “blase” Those are familiar phrases. The only one missing “michael”, was “plank”.
Sick leave of staff members is an issue? How about sick leave of senior managers?
Slandering the manager who was suspended. How predictable.
Toodle Pip. Bladdy bladdy blah
December 8th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Michael
while i would agree that the focus of this discussion appears to have become lost, I totally disagree with your opinion that the appearance of this article has “tarnished the good reputations of many,many good people..” THis whole article is primarily about the actions (and inactions) of a few. I have nothing but the highest admiration for the rest of the staff in Ballydowd doing a difficult and often dangerous job. THey are the unsung heroes of social care and deserve better than the treatment they are recieving at the moment.
But let us not forget - this is all about protecting children - not taking swipes at your fellow professionals.In light of the Ryan report and now the Murphy report, never before has such an article been more relevant; on the one hand the Government espouses that institutional abuse is a thing of the past and mechanisms have been put in place to ensure it doesnt happen again - on the other hand - even as the Ryan Commission and Murphy reports are being published, those people who are in senior positions and charged with the responsibility of protecting our most vulnerable children are abusing their powers in order to protect only themselves. Such hypocracy must be challenged by whatever means necessary.
Unfortunately Michael, you seem to have taken the same route the so called ‘investigators’ of this incident have taken - that is not to speak directtly to any of the witnesses who saw what happened but instead believe your own convenient ‘truth’ - it is such attitudes which, I believe allow those guilty of malpractice to get away with it.
You do not address the core issues - did this incident happen? Was it independently and thoroughly investigated? Is the child protection sytem robust enough to prevent this or similar incidents happening again?
It is perfectly obvious, from my own professional experience of working as a social care worker, that there are serious flaws in the system - the suspension of staff who try to voice concerns about the treatment of young people in Ballydowd, the lack of an open and unbiased complaint system and the apparent lack of professional accountability are flaws which further expose children to unacceptable risk.
Your ‘doing things by the book’ argument is ridiculous to say the least - when the ‘book’ is wrong or where there has been no satisfactory response to such complaints, not only has the social care worker the right to bring the matter further, he/she has a DUTY to do so - again by whatever means. Least we forget this whole thing is about protecting vulnerable children.
I would agree with Michael however that Ballydowd staff should go ‘on the record’ to highlight the serious failings of senior staff in the HSE - however considering the rash of suspensions we have seen against staff who try to get this matter properly resolved, it is not surprising that they don’t.
For my part, what happens next is crucial to my own career. I have no wish to be part of such a dangerously deficient system. In future years I would like to be able to say to my grandchildren with pride that I worked as a social care worker - I do not want to have to hang my head in shame as some future Taoiseach makes yet another apology on my (and your) behalf.
To John Whelan - i congratulate you on having the courage to bring this matter into the public domain where so many others have been too frightened to. In turning away from this story the National Media have also contributed(albeit unwittingly) to the culture of silence which still exists around such issues.
It can never happen again? Mark my words - IT WILL.
December 8th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Wow Nick..That was excellently and eloquently put. I think you have said everything that needs to be said on this matter. I think every other comment(especially “Michael’s” Garrulous nonsense) should be removed leaving just John’s doughty article and your unfeigned comment. well done. I regret my NECESSARY sobriquet but I know the rancorous nature of the monitoring senior management. Thank you
December 8th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
I work in Ballydowd.
Fact: a child was firehosed against her will, in a locked bedroom, through a panel.
Fact: It was done by a senior manager.
Fact: The young girl was subject to further truma by senior management and a manager by means of “private conversations” staff were told to leave the area as these took place, when conversations ended the young girl would state how she was being bullied and intimidated to drop her complaint.
Fact: No witnesses to the assault were ever interviewed. people who were named as witness in a incident report written by senior management dont even work on the unit, one was not even present in ballydowd at the time.
Fact: When staff tried to listen and help the young girl they were removed for a period of 4 months (for helping).
This place is closing for a reason, staff and management have problems communicating to each other for a reason, in these litigatious times and with the constraints on staff speaking out mixed with the on going intimidation makes Ballydowd an unwelcoming home for kids. Lets all stick to the facts and the people who are obviously scared of the truth coming out and you being held accountable, stop knocking the people who want the best for these kids.
December 9th, 2009 at 12:48 am
Michael…..
Allow me to begin my comment by saying Bravo!!! I completley agree with you.. This forum has given an even bigger voice to the office cowards who have bitched and gossiped for years without ever speaking directly to anyone… It has allowed people, not only to air personal gripes but to tarnish the reputation of the dedicated staff that work there FOR THE CHILDREN!!!
So many people should hang their heads in shame.. You have lowered yourselves by claiming to be concerned for vunarable children.. when this has been merely a smoke screen for those of you that did not get annual leave, your heavy handed way or your list of demands met. . . I feel very sad for you all… I think your concience will be your only consequence….
To those that continue to work day by day.. for the children.. I salute you.. Continue your good work…
December 9th, 2009 at 9:26 am
I work in Ballydowd. A
December 9th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Well said Frank. Well said.
December 9th, 2009 at 9:29 am
Sarah….Michael…Ann…Whatever name being used..
stop saying the same thing over and over…”people afraid to speak up” “cowards using this site to bitch” “put up or shut up”.. stop talking about annual leave and other things which have nothing to do with abuse..stop trying to force people into revealing their identities..as mentioned hundreds of times already…….Now its important you try to listen this time….People are afraid of the bullying they will almost certainly have to endure if they do… senior management stupidly proved again this week that people talking up against the wrong doings of the abysmal senior management will be punished..
As for “the office” chatter.. yes that has gone on for years..about three maybe.. weird eh??
So, Ann,michael,sarah etc… stop saying the same thing.. stop saying we should all just get on with it for the kids.. it is for the kids that the staff want that mess closed down.. Anybody who thinks Ballydowd should remain open has NO business working with kids.. Its an abusive dilapidated place with deplorable senior management who Micro-managed the place into the worst possible environment for children.. Your clutching at straws…. Stop posting your garbage.. its boring..its of the point and its desperate.. Toodels
December 11th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
I’ve heard that a certain reporter in RTE
has taken a personal interest in the ” fire hosing incident ”
maybe that will set the national media on the trail of the
senior manager responsible for such an outrageous assault.
We can only hope
December 11th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Balydowd was not always a ‘dilapidated’ place. Some of the kids now cant believe the way it used to be. Staff want it opened to restore it and the work that was done there. At the moment STAFF CAN NOT DO THEIR JOB and when they try address any behavioural issues with the kids they are put on leave or sent to Crannog Nua. Once upon a time (apx 3 yrs ago) if a young person had an issue a manager would sit with them and the staff member in question to try resolve it, this alone was a great learning piece for young people. NOT ANYMORE!! Now young peope huff and puff til the managers give in and get rid of the staff. To the managers IT CANT BE THE CARE STAFF ALL THE TIME how many will you ‘move’ before it’s just you and ‘your click’. The young people have little respect for staff at the moment thanks to the constant undermining but they have even less for the managers- although they think otherwise. Its a childs nature to manipulate, we, the adults, are suppose to teach them better ways of getting the results they want. When the managers reinforce this behaviour what can be done?
December 12th, 2009 at 9:21 am
the staff in ballydowd do a very hard job,they have little or know way of dealing with challenging beh..pool ball in a sock anyone?theyve even had to bring in locms….
December 12th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
have any of the staff spoken to any on the childrens social worker??????? This might help get this disgrace to the surface a bit more. WOW imagine in 2009 this is going on. Shameful. we cannot get away from the facts that are presented here in this forum.
December 15th, 2009 at 10:57 am
I’d like to bring the focus back to Frank’s earlier point. Afterall, it was very valuable contribution.
As someone else has already stated; well said Frank. Well said.
December 15th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
I commend Frank on his honesty, what a brave step he took saying what he said. All hail Frank, he got to the bottom of this issue!!! Bravo….
December 16th, 2009 at 2:50 am
4 more care staff on ” administrative leave” , what the hell’s goin on
with Ballydowd ?? Can no one at the top levels in the Dept of Health
and Children see what’s happening here , they’re clearing out the staff
they have no intention of keeping , and using the state of the place as an excuse.
December 16th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
contact with a social worker? voicemail..
December 16th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Is there any end in sight for this sorry saga? More staff on protective leave. Attempts to discredit good staff. Staff having difficulty maintaining their authority. More agendas than the Copenhagan summit!!!.All of this must be impacting on the care of the young people. Is the HSE going to be able to make sense of this mess? And once again can I ask how was it allowed to fester for so long?
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:02 am
More staff on leave due to the manipulation of vulnerable children by staff craving some sort of long lost belonging..
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:22 pm
i give up..i really do…the place is closing down soon…god knows where the residents will be shoved..
December 22nd, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Wow..I was told to check this out by a friend who works there.. I never truly believed him when he spoke of the “going ons” in that place..But its clear to see for all that a toxic environment was fostered unchecked here…all the staff have alot to answer for, including my friend.. As care workers, you guys really took your eye off the ball and focused all your attention on petty backbiting..As a manager myself in one of Irelands biggest retail stores, I understand that a large and diverse work force needs solid management.. it is glaringly obvious that the management in Ballydowd where either way way way out of their depth or that they knowingly allowed (even encouraged??) such rifts in the staff team to develop.. As a manager I feel the buck must always stop with us.. Has the management accepted any responsibility yet???
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:01 pm
again lads, lets not get away from the facts, as much as some people want to debate other stuff on this forum it is about a teenage girl being assaulted in her locked bedroom and the hse managerial cover-up that followed. in a nut shell. its amazing how some people want to deflect away from this FACT to help bury the FACT.
January 13th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
John,
I have written a number of posts on this wall in relation to the abusive practices of the senior management in Ballydowd. This will be my last. I would like to thank you for giving this abusive story a platform for the wider community to judge. What this story highlights, if nothing else, is how deep a state body will go to cover-up and bury incidents of abuse of children in their care and in doing so protect the most senior of management whilst ignoring facts. I have witnessed first hand throughout the past year the power that is held by the HSE and how they are capable of steam-rolling anybody that gets in their way, even you were verbally attacked throughout this forum.
We as a society, only last year, have asked ourselves in light of the Ryan and Murphy reports how did we ever let these abusive practices happen. With all the protective bodies and legislation in place today to prevent such incidents one would think these are stories of the past.
The abusive, manipulating and steam-rolling practices of the past are still alive and kicking within Ballydowd. Staff have done EVERYTHING in their power to highlight these practices to external “protective” bodies such as SSI, Ombudsman to name but a few, they know the practices are abusive and manipulating but are powerless when it comes to fighting a state body such as the HSE and senior management. If these practices had been carried out by social care workers, instant action would have been taken and rightly so. The fact that the cover-up implicates so many senior managers innocent social-care workers have been and continue to be steam-rolled.
The lesson taken from this story is if you have the power to get away with abuseive and manipulating practices you will never be held accountable, if you don’t have the power you just got to remain quiet and avoid being steam-rolled. Thank you John, again, for trying to highlight this abuse of a child and the subsquent cover-up, maybe some people are just, according to Elliot Ness, untouchable.
January 13th, 2010 at 1:41 pm
the latest from that horrible place is the kids are threatening the staff with their careers if they “annoy” them.. reports have been written which detail how one child said “you better be nice to me, I have the power to get rid of staff”. (undoubtably referring to the numerous staff on suspension). these children have also told staff that senior management (plus wannabe Senior management) are asking them questions about particular staff members. This all just adds to the bullshit these “people” are allowed to get away with. Imagine spraying a vulnerable child with freezing water for not getting out of bed, then lie and cheat your way out of it, and then have the audacity to pontificate about work practice. Child abusers (physical and mental–both happen in there) are being protected again. We never talk about the mental abuse of these kids by whoever but we all know it happens.. emotional blackmail is a daily occurence.. Here is a fact..how often have we all seen conversations with those kids by senior Mng with no staff present and NO record or explanation after the “chat”….why? we all know why… (comments moderated by site admin)
January 14th, 2010 at 5:16 pm
hey all i just wana let yous all no that im an ex child who lived in ballydowd for a long time and all the staff are not bad you get 1 or two who are not nice and just because (comments moderated by site admin) ballydowd up all the staff are being punished for (comments moderated by site admin) doings,i just wana say something to the staff there,DONT LET (comments moderated by site admin)RUIN ALL YOUR GOOD DOING STAND UP TO (comments moderated by site admin)……
January 15th, 2010 at 2:03 am
I went to ballydowd as a scared 14 year old for my own saftey, i am one of the people that was on the joe duffy show. I dont tink all the staff should be painted with the same brush like i said on the show that there are staff there who are there for you and dont just see it as a job you cant just turn off when you go home.I still stay in contact with some of the staff there.I do belive the story of the girl and i am sure there are plenty more untold stories that i have witnessed.While i was in there we never made complaints cause the people we wanted to complain against where the people in charge, we knew it would be held against us, so we did not see the point. In my opinion the dierector should hold her hands up and admit she needs to change her way of running the place. The tenison between staff and seinor mangment has been there since i was there i am sure if a hot line was to be opened you would hear alot more stories of abuse at the center.Its about time that someone took action cause this can cause a child some serious issues when they are older.
January 25th, 2010 at 2:57 pm
Mmm, nothing on here about the damning HIQA report into the hospital in Drogheda with all it’s abuses and failings. . . . That must be because (comments moderated by site admin) didnt perceive that (comments moderated by site admin) been shafted by them and got (comments moderated by site admin) good friend “wired with Whelan” to run a clog on it!!! It just goes to show that all of this “Ballydowd bashing” has been nothing but a smokescreen by people that have an axe to grind against the senior management at Ballydowd and who will gladly blacken the names of everyone in there for their own purpose. . . . .
January 30th, 2010 at 2:15 am
HOW DID WE LET IT HAPPEN?, WE WERE SO PROUD OF WHAT WE DID
January 31st, 2010 at 9:34 am
David you must have missed the points raised by the children who bravely posted on the site. It is not a case of blackening names, it is a case of CHILD ABUSE.
January 31st, 2010 at 9:45 am
You can make a “protected disclosure” to larry.walsh@hse.ie if your disclosure is made in good faith there can be no reprisals for hse staff. They are fully protected against any form of disiplinary action
February 1st, 2010 at 5:03 pm
David..its laughable for you to be speaking about “blackening” the names of senior management..Do you know these senior management?? are you aware of the events which they were involved in?? Stop defending the abusers. they have more than enough protection from the corrupt HSE.. Blackening names is not required..their names are as black as they can be..when you have staff and the past residence saying the truth..your farcical input is not required..(comments moderated by site admin)
February 1st, 2010 at 7:53 pm
Stephen and all the rest of you posting numerous posts on this blog slating Ballydowd,how about (comments moderated by site admin). It is clear there are a number of people obsessed with Ballydowd. Stephen you say you are a manager in one of Irelands biggest retail stores yet you think you know a lot about Ballydowd, (comments moderated by site admin). Stop goin on about the ABUSE. Its old now. Why is it a free lance journalist with a blog that has brought this (comments moderated by site admin) to where it is. Why was it not head line news like so many other cases of abuse. (comments moderated by site admin) One isolated incident does not translate to a litany of abuse!
February 1st, 2010 at 10:02 pm
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February 2nd, 2010 at 7:06 pm
Susan, have a look at the front page of the times today. Do you think any of those people would agree that talking about abuse is “old”. You are very aware of the goings on in ballydowd. What about all the lies that are told, the emotional manipulation of the children, misrepresentations in the high court, lying to parents, social workers and guardian and litems. Threatening staff, lying to staff, deliberately keeping staff in the dark, micro managing, destroying morale, waisting tax payers money by having staff on protective leave on full pay, inappropriate relationships with young people. This not qualify as a “litany”?
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:50 am
why is that dump still open?? Seems like hiqa are as useless as they were made out to be on primetime last night..AS that man said “there is no real regulation so they do what they want” sounds exactly like the mess we call “special care”..oh its special alright..very bleeding special..Oh and susan..not headline news ya say.how long did it take for the church abuse to make the papers..these things take time..(comments moderated by site admin)
February 4th, 2010 at 5:44 pm
It is with some regret that I have decided to bring the debate on the Ballydowd issue to a conclusion at this time. The Wired site has at all times tried to uphold the highest journalistic standards and the principles of fairness. However, very often the comments have drifted into the realms of tit for tat and tittle tattle and potentially actionable accusations. We would and could robustly defend fair comment in the public interest but for sure some of the posts have strayed into the zone of provocative and personalised, albeit unwittingly and in the genuine passion for the discussion. Very often though they have strayed off the substantive issue - the legitimate concerns for children in care, their welfare and well being. Too often in the exchanges sight seems to have been lost of these values by both sides in this troubled scenario. Journalists have a saying that there are three sides to every story - yours and there’s - and somewhere in the middle is the truth. Some of the posts have even accused me of having an agenda and carrying a torch for some of the protagonists. For the record, I know none of the individuals involved or working in Ballydowd and have no axe to grind. Like some others I too wonder why the shambles of a situation at Ballydowd has not been highlighted more in the established national media, but we do know there are precedents for this and we do live in litigious times. It also won’t be the first time that issues of great concern were occuring under our noses and not appearing in print. That the carry-on in Ballydowd is not making the headlines can hardly be any succour of defence to those who have the best interests of children at heart.The HIQA report alone, whatever its failings, is a sufficiently damning indictment of the operations over a long period of time at Ballydowd. Closing it down and transferring staff and children elsewhere does not resolve these serious shortfalls within the childcare services ultimately the responsibility of the HSE management. The problems haven’t gone away you know and neither will our vigilance in relation to Ballydowd and the associated failings of the system and those ultimately responsible for the safety and welbeing of children in care.With that objective in mind we are reluctantly bringing this part of the debate on Ballydowd to a close for the present.
Many thanks to all those who contributed so decently and honestly and did a great service to put these sensitive and serious issues out into the light.
February 15th, 2010 at 2:23 pm
HERE WE GO AGAIN.WHEN WILL THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY STAND UP FOR THE CHILDREN OF THIS COUNTRY.PLEASE,PLEASE,PLEASE,HELP STOP THIS ABUSE.Demand action.
February 17th, 2010 at 1:29 am
TAKEN FROM THE FRONT PAGE OF THE IRISH TIMES , MON FEB 15TH 2010
Director of care unit turned firehose on teenage girl
CARL O’BRIEN Chief Reporter
THE DIRECTOR of a special care unit for troubled children turned a high-powered firehose on a teenage girl after she refused to get out of bed, it has emerged.
The incident, which occurred at Ballydowd care unit in Dublin last year, prompted a number of investigations by the Health Service Executive (HSE) into care standards at the centre. The unit is due to close following a damning report by the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa).
The report highlighted a litany of problems, including difficulties with management, security of children and basic accommodation standards.
It also highlighted serious difficulties of trust between management and staff, which presented as a crisis of confidence in the management of challenging behaviour and in the recording of significant incidents.
The child at the centre of the firehose incident made a complaint to gardaí at Lucan, although it is understood that no charges have been brought.
Following the firehose incident in February of last year, two care staff who were alleged to have encouraged the teenager to make a complaint were placed on administrative leave. They were subsequently reinstated after almost five months.
One staff member who witnessed the firehose event said: “We couldn’t believe it. The hose was turned on a full capacity, it was a powerful hose, for about a minute or more. The room was completely saturated.”
The HSE yesterday declined to comment on the firehose incident except to say that under the Childcare Act, it was precluded from commenting on individual children in care.
In a statement, it said: “It should be stressed that children in a special care unit can often present with difficult and complex behaviours that are associated with a high level of risk. Staff working at special care units are trained to deal with this type of behaviour, while at all times protecting the best interest of the child.”
A senior source has confirmed that a social work team in the north-west reviewed the incident and concluded that the treatment of the child could be considered abusive.
However, a subsequent independent report commissioned by the HSE’s assistant national director for children and families disagreed with these findings. It found the treatment could not be categorised as abuse based on official guidelines.
The volume of concerns among staff and anonymous complaints over the handing of incidents involving children led to a more wide-ranging investigation into standards of care across the centre by the HSE last year. Some complainants claimed incident reports in relation to the behaviour of children were being deliberately “toned down” to present Ballydowd in a better light.
The HSE’s report found that these anonymous allegations were “unfounded and malicious”, according to a senior source.
THE IRISH DAILY MAIL CARRIED THIS STORY IN MORE DETAIL ON TUESDAY FEB 16TH . I THINK THE DIRECTOR OF BALLYDOWD SHOULD (comments moderated by site admin), CHILD ABUSE IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE IN IRELAND AND (comments moderated by site admin) IS IN A POSITION OF THE HIGHEST AUTHORITY AND TRUST.
February 17th, 2010 at 11:15 am
We had thought best to draw a line under the Ballydowd debate for now, but there has been a significant development this week which requires us to review that decision.
On Monday last (Feb 15th), Carl O’ Brien reported on Ballydowd on the front page of the Irish Times under the heading ‘Director of care unit turned firehose on teenage girl’. The broad thrust of his report concerning the unit is largely what we reported here on Wired four months ago. For those who needed to see the matter in the national mainstream media before they would believe the veracity of these allegations, does this now produce the evidence they require? I hardly think so. Allegations remain just that until proven or someone is held accountable. It is also interesting to note that in the Irish Independent of January 26th it was reported that solicitor Katherine Ghent contacted the Children’s Minister, Barry Andrews with outlining serious concerns for the welfare of children in care at Ballydowd. As guardian ad litem for the children Ms Ghent raised concerns with the Minister which she described as “extremely urgent”. However, the Independent went on to erroneously report that Ballydowd was closed down on November 5th last, in the aftermath of a fire at the unit the previous weekend. It is not surprising that they were left under the impression that the unit was closed in the aftermath of a the damning HIQA report. Four months on from the HIQA report calling for the closure of Ballydowd the disgraced child care centre remains open, operational and caring for children.
While on one hand it is understandable to see why the closure of the centre may seem like a solution of sorts but what of the loss of vital secure unit places for children in crisis. Surely, it would be far better to restore, revamp, re-organise, re-establish and re-instate the €13 million facility to the purpose for which it was intended and so badly needed.
Your comments on the latest developments are welcome but you must refrain from any personalised, provocative or potentially libelous contributions and it is not the purpose of this forum to imply the identity of people or name names. Let’s leave that up to the proper authorities.
February 18th, 2010 at 9:43 am
hey. I recall a contributer on this site once saying that surly nothing untoward had happened as if it did, would the story not have made the national media. As we have said time and time again, it did not make the papers because of lies and cover ups, we also stated that the truth would come through in the end. So to use your own deductive reasoning in response, Now that it has made the national media, SURLY a wrong was committed. that being established, why has this person not come out and responded, apologias even, or is that too much to ask. The place should now close as it was instructed to do, and stop ignoring what they do not want to hear, acting, as stated in the daily mail, “omnipotent”. these such claims by the media are only validated by the continuing actions of senior management who really do seem to answer to nobody. I believe that the place should close immediately and a full inquiry into the countless cases of bad management and bad practice be conducted in a tribunal fashion. staff members should not be allowed to hide behind the ” I dont want to get involved” speech although I fully understand their fears. If you work there, YOU ARE INVOLVED. END THIS MESS NOW. then move to greener pastures with a clear conscience. For those who continue to support the wrongdoers, as we said before, we will make sure you are accountable too. We have not forgot about your involvement. And we have the nations ear now.
February 18th, 2010 at 10:18 am
I hope this sorry saga comes to end soon. Justice must be seen to happen. Many people wrote and expressed their righteous fulminations with the way the centre was crippled by very very poor micro management, and yet these same people are presiding over the relocation of young people and staff. Has their proven vindictiveness and incompetence not precluded them from such important decisions. Can somebody please try to ensure that the last act done in this disgraced place, attempt to be done with professionalism and fairness. Go on, surprise us all.
February 19th, 2010 at 5:00 pm
well all i have to say is look at newtown house co Wicklow
nine years ago it was closed it was a house of horror
nine years on its still going on it a disgrace
February 20th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
Can you elaorate “newtown house”?
February 21st, 2010 at 9:02 pm
The floodgates are opening. For all of you who turned a blind eye or decided that someone else could deal with it or thought that you had the option of not getting involved…..YOU ARE INVOLVED. For those of you in the category above, you better hope that thoses excuses are sufficient in a court of law. I don’t fancy your chances
February 22nd, 2010 at 12:55 am
surely the only thing we need to focus on is that a young person under 18 was hosed down with a fire hose alledgedly by an adult carer!!!! if that is true that adult should never work with children again.any adults who witnessed this act should be raising hell if its true.
February 22nd, 2010 at 3:24 pm
The sad thing in reading these comments is that a person’s reputation has been totally torn apart by people who have no clue what sort of person this individual is.
All I can say is that I feel it necessary to put forward the other side. I understand the allegation but there is a fact that has been omitted in all the writings. There are hundreds if not thousands of young people/adults who would not be walking around Ireland if not for this person’s intervention in their life. This person has devoted their life to helping children. This person attempted many years ago to introduce a therapeutic framework in Ballydowd. Fortunately some staff embraced this approach (which led to many young people having positive experiences while living in Ballydowd) however unfortunately other staff did not. The reasons for the latter probably fear of losing control (unfortunately there was an era in Ballydowd where control was the main focus).
I believe the person I’m writing about was the absolute main instigator in attempting to change the way the social care practitioners in Ballydowd worked. This therapeutic approach is backed up by all recent research in the field. This person had a progressive vision which I believe many professionals in the field respected, valued and inspired to be like.
So to conclude, I know my feelings are contrary to a lot of opinions however the reality is that there is a lot more good/inspirational work for this person to do out in the social care world of Ireland. Please allow them to do it for all those “at risk” young people’s who need care staff and managers to care for them as sometimes they cannot care for themselves.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:17 pm
The really sad thing here is that people are still trying to justify the unjustifiable. I do not doubt that the the alleged perpetrator of the ‘fire-hose’ incident has had a positive impact on the lives of many vulnerable children. Had this person held up their hands at the time and admitted that what they had done was an appalling act, then perhaps we would not be writing on this forum today. Instead they chose to lie and attempt to cover the incident up.
Now we need to dig a little deeper-the ‘perp’ has not managed to escape accountabilty thus far on thier own. While all focus has been on the perp, there has been little said of this persons ’superiors’ in the HSE. Why didnt the then manager of high support and special care services not intervene when he had an opportunity to. why didnt the then assisatnt national director PCCC, to whom the incident had been reported not act and ensure accountability. Why hasnt the DPP yet pursued this matter in the courts? Why didnt the minister to whom this was reported (by myself) not ensure that a thorough investigation (which actually interveiws witnesses) occur? Disciplinary action against one person is not enough. Too many questions and serious concerns remain.
February 26th, 2010 at 12:25 am
Elizabeth, if the person you speak about is such a wonderful, caring person, WHY did she turn a fire hose on a child in her bed ?? In this country we have rapists, murderers and child abusers among our prison inmates, I have friends working in the service, and if they were to turn a fire hose on any one of these inmates, they would face immediate dismissal. This child deserves no lless
February 26th, 2010 at 7:40 pm
I looked at this site some time ago but like many others, I decided to say nothing. Coming back to it, it is so hard to beleive that it still goes on as it is over a yr since the director used a fire hose at very low pressure to wet the bottom end of a duvet. Thats what happened as I was there. The young person had assaulted a number of staff inc the director so we could not go into the bedroom as we would normally do. We called the young person for 3 hrs and she shouted abuse and threats as she did not want to have a shower. When the director came in, I told her what was happening and she spent ten minutres talking to the young person. As she was also verbally abused and could not enter the room, she told the young person that she wet the duvet with the hose so that it would be too uncomfotable to stay in bed but she gave her ten minutes to think about it. Only when she came back and there was no change, did she follow thru and ask staff to get the hose from a wardrobe. Nobody on duty saw anything wrong with this and when she wet the duvet, most of us laughed. She came back ten mins later and because the young person also taught it was funny, she entered the room and pointed out how silly it all was. The young person got up, had a shower and went on to have a good day. It was all recorded in the case notes, all professionals were informed and it was reported to the Court in all reports. The young person did not want to complain as her social woker and gardian litem asked her and she told staff she wanted to hold it over the director for the future. Thats the facts as i was there and much of the above is lies and yet another attack on a person who turned Ballydowd around. Im writing because I’ve heard she is off work again and not coming back and who can balme her. This site and other blogs to say nothing of the crap on Facebook. The front page of the Irish Times, a garda investigation and at least one HSE investigation who found according to above malicious and unfounded allegations. Like Elizabeth, I have seen the wonderful work she has done, the no of kid who ring her most days and the no who come back to see her week after week. What happens to them now if the rumour that shes left is true. Why have the HSE not helped her and what do the people on this blof want? Blood???????
March 12th, 2010 at 8:06 pm
The director of ballydowd was charged with assault of a minor last week
FACT
March 14th, 2010 at 11:49 pm
Apparently the director of Ballydowd was charged with assault last week .
March 18th, 2010 at 12:53 pm
i am not shocked in the least that a teenage girl was assualted in that way because care staff are on power trips and get away with theese things which is disgraceful. i am an ex resident of ballydowd and lets just say ithasnt changed since i was there…… care yeah right more like abuse physically and mentally, it got shut down but not at the right time it should of been closed down years ago. i beleive that girl one hundred percent, care staff will stick by each other no matter what an lie for each other. lets just say there is a lot more to come out about ballydowd, it will be better than the ryan report because its not so long ago all of it happend……..
March 20th, 2010 at 11:19 am
you say you were there Anita eh?? and thats what happened eh?? well I dont know who your trying to kid, or suck up to, but the director was charged, and if the director wants to challenge the charge, then I guess you’ll be there as a witness in court EH?? ha… Didnt think so!!!!!! only 3 staff witnesses and we all know your not one of them.. Looks like all you sycophants backed the wrong horse…
March 26th, 2010 at 5:24 pm
No Anita I don’t think anyone wants blood. Abusing young people and a position of power can never be about trying to vilify an individual,it is what it is. Adults with such severe personal difficulties can not be left with the responsibility of caring for vulnerable young people in particular when they have been chraged with abuse.
March 31st, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Elizibeth you speak like a guardian angel, i feel you were very much manipulated and used by the perp, when the truth comes out you will be able to hear all the facts and im sure you will feel very used. And as for ANIETA you bring a lot of JOY to your story, it’s amaxing how people can change their views for personal gains, am i shocked, not in the slightest, I expect nothing less, let the perp and those who helped cover up this mess face the truth and FACTS for once……and those who are just preaching what they have been brainwashed into preaching do the hounorable thing.
April 10th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
The charges against the Director have been dropped and rightly so, hopefully now individuals who have a vendetta against this person will stop and allow them to continue to respond to the the needs of vulnerable children without interference and attack.
April 14th, 2010 at 11:02 pm
AND THE COVER UP CONTINUES, THE CHARGES WERE DROPPED !!
WHY DO WE BOTHER TO CONCERN OURSELVES WITH CHILDREN IN CARE WHEN THE ABUSERS WALK FREE FROM THE COURTS, DUE TO INEPTITUDE OR LACK OF BALL’S BY THE DPP. WILL THE LAST PERSON TO LEAVE IRELAND LET OUT THE BATH-WATER IN CASE A CHILD DROWNS .
April 23rd, 2010 at 8:09 pm
Terry I would say the perp and her sideicks used the manipulation tactic again with the young person, it was very recently the young person was invited back to the centre “for a cup of tea” and then afterwards personally driven off by a sidekick, manipulation, abuse of power, this abuse story is only the tip of the iceberg, when all the evidence is put together the real extent of the horrific management team will be reveled, one cannot dispute hard evidence no matter how much the poeple who HELPED cover up wished it go away. And “gemma” if telling the truth and highlighting abuse against vulnerable childeren constitutes as a vendatta i can only imagine that you yourself are a sidekick with something to cover-up or to personally gain from this. If the HSE attempt to put this director in a position of power over children no stone will be left unturned to highlight the injustice and hypocracy such of a decision. We should be thankful that there are many professional social care workers that have taken the ryan and murphy reports seriously and acted on hard evidence and not just turned a blind eye to cover-ups, there is hope.
April 26th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Cormac you previously stated on the 13th Jan that you would not be posting anymore comments to the site. Just couldn’t help yourself. Youre inuendo is not fooling anyone. Terry, now we have an issue with the DPP - who will we blame next, GOD? People are not concerned about the welfare of the kids anymore FACT, who are we trying to kid. That day is long gone. Instead everyone is caught up in the Ballydowd runour mill, the re-deployment, who’s going where, who’s managing what, how much will you get and so on. Stop playing the concerned citizens, we all know you’re not, it always has been and always will be about personal axes to grind which are concealed as concern for the welfare of the kids.
April 26th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
PS Cormac, for the record, the young person was not invited for “a cup of tea”. Infact they were actually on abscond- no one invited them for a “cup of tea” or knew they were coming. Two of them turned up at the gates and thats all it was. Dont believe everything you are told while you are at home!
April 27th, 2010 at 10:04 am
When will that horrible dump just close down..That team should, under no circumstances be allowed to work together “caring” for children..the hate that was fostered and encouraged and continues to be encouraged and stoked by poor excuses for managers, should be stopped now while there is this oppertunity..The idiots who Happily and Joyfully manipulate children should be banished to some inner city slum away from the vulnerable children. Also, I cant believe the continuing vapidity coming from the small band of clingers..No, actually I can.. Your posts are boring and if I was to grade them on substance and truth, I’d give you a fail..a big fat F..Let it go..move on..