By Ireland’s child protection system reached a major milestone in 2025. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, received more than 106,000 child safety and welfare referrals during the year. This is the first time annual referrals have crossed the 100,000 mark.
The figures highlight growing pressure on Ireland’s child protection services. They also show the increasing need for social workers, foster care placements, and emergency accommodation for vulnerable children.
Child Welfare Referrals Reach a Record High
According to Tusla’s 2025 Annual Report, the agency received 106,444 child protection and welfare referrals during the year. This represents a 10% increase compared with 2024.
The referrals involved 55,483 individual children, which means around one in every 23 children in Ireland came to the attention of Tusla during the year.
The agency described this level of demand as “unprecedented.”
Emotional Abuse Was the Most Reported Concern
The report found that emotional abuse was the leading reason behind referrals.
Breakdown of Reported Concerns
| Concern | Share of Referrals |
|---|---|
| Emotional Abuse | 45% |
| Physical Abuse | 26% |
| Neglect | 16% |
| Sexual Abuse | 14% |
These figures show that emotional harm continues to be one of the biggest child protection concerns across Ireland.
Who Reported Child Welfare Concerns?
Many professionals play a role in protecting children.
The largest number of referrals came from:
- Gardaí – 33%
- Teachers – 12%
- Safeguarding Officers – 11%
- Social Workers – 10%
These reports help identify children who may require support, protection, or intervention.
Frontline Services Face Growing Pressure
Tusla said the sharp increase in referrals placed significant pressure on frontline services.
Although funding increased, the agency continues to struggle with recruiting qualified:
- Social workers
- Social care workers
- Child protection professionals
Staff shortages remain one of the biggest challenges facing the agency.
Nearly 5,900 Children Were in Care
By the end of 2025:
- 5,879 children were in Tusla’s care.
- 5,058 children lived with foster families.
- Others were placed in residential or specialist care.
Foster care remains the most common placement option for children who cannot safely remain at home.
Emergency Placements Continue to Rise
Tusla also reported growing demand for emergency placements.
When suitable placements are unavailable, children may be placed under Special Emergency Arrangements (SEAs).
These emergency placements are provided by private operators and are not regulated by HIQA.
By the end of November 2025:
- 185 children were living in emergency accommodation.
Tusla said these placements are only used when every other option has been exhausted.
Why Demand Is Increasing
The agency identified several reasons behind the growing pressure.
These include:
- Rising child welfare referrals
- More complex family situations
- Housing shortages
- Lack of social care staff
- International conflicts
- Increased migration
- Climate-related displacement
All of these factors have increased the need for child protection services across Ireland.
Unaccompanied Children Seeking Protection
Tusla also reported an increase in referrals involving children arriving in Ireland without parents or guardians.
During 2025:
- 782 referrals involved unaccompanied children seeking international protection.
- This was up from 619 referrals in 2024.
- 742 children entered Tusla’s care or accommodation services.
- The remaining cases were either reunited with family members or found not eligible.
What These Numbers Mean
The latest report highlights the growing demand placed on Ireland’s child protection system.
While more referrals can reflect stronger public awareness and reporting, they also place extra pressure on already stretched services.
Experts continue to call for:
- More social workers
- More foster carers
- Increased residential care capacity
- Better emergency accommodation
- Greater investment in child welfare services
Strengthening these services will help ensure vulnerable children receive support as quickly as possible.
Final Thoughts
Crossing 100,000 referrals is a significant moment for Ireland’s child protection system.
Tusla now faces the challenge of meeting rising demand while dealing with staffing shortages and increasing placement needs.
As referrals continue to grow, investment in child welfare services, foster care, and frontline social work will remain essential to protecting children across Ireland.
