<p>
	The Child and Family Agency has told the High Court there is currently no secure placement available to meet the needs of a volatile and disruptive 13-year-old girl in care.</p>
<p>
	The girl, who has self-harmed, assaulted staff and engaged in property damage, was approved for special care last month but remains on a waiting list with seven other children.</p>
<p>
	According to the girl&#39;s guardian ad litem, the 13-year-old was taken into secure care last year after exhibiting very extreme behaviour including self-harm and fire setting.</p>
<p>
	The court heard she responded well to the secure environment but reverted to her old behaviour and even assaulted staff when she was transferred to a step down unit last October.</p>
<p>
	Things deteriorated further and she ended up in emergency hostel accommodation two nights this week which meant she was on the streets by day &ndash; and in the company of a man who allegedly sexually abused her.</p>
<p>
	Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, agrees the girl should be in secure care but unfortunately there is currently no place for the teenager - and they don&#39;t know when one will become available.</p>
<p>
	In the meantime, the teenager will stay in a care unit overseen by a psychologist and social worker.</p>
<p>
	<a href="http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/self-harming-girl-13-on-streets-with-alleged-abuser-due-to-lack-of-secure-unit-657316.html">http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/self-harming-girl-13-on-streets-with-alleged-abuser-due-to-lack-of-secure-unit-657316.html</a></p>
