Kerry has seen the biggest improvement in the country in the proportion of children in state care who have a dedicated social worker.
That’s according to figures released by the Department of Education in response to a Green Party parliamentary question.
Nationally, the number of children in state care without an allocated social worker has doubled over the last 24 months, despite the total number of children in care remaining stable.
In 2024, nearly three in every ten (27%) children in state care in Kerry had not been allocated a social worker.
However, by 2026, that figure had fallen to 5 percent - a 22-point change, making Kerry the most improved region in the country.
Nine of the 171 children in state care in Kerry are still waiting for a social worker.
This compares favourably with other regions, such as Carlow/Kilkenny/South Tipperary, where just over half (51%), or 153 children, have a dedicated social worker.
The Green Party says the disparity between regions is stark, adding that a child safety “postcode lottery” has been created.
Cork has the most children in care in 2026, at 663.
