THERE WERE MORE than 100,000 referrals made to Tusla last year – the highest number ever.

The most common type of child protection concern reported in 2025 was emotional abuse at 45%, followed by physical abuse (26%), neglect (16%) and sexual abuse (14%).

The child and family agency received 106,444 referrals in 2025, up 11% on the year previous.

Tusla said the significant increase in workload has “challenged frontline services”.

While more state funding was available, it said it struggled to recruit enough social workers and social care staff.

Staff retention, however, improved slightly.

Children in care

A third of the referrals were made by gardaí. Teachers made 12% of referrals, safeguarding officers made 11% and social workers made 10%.

The report says the ongoing conflict around the world has continued to force population movement, resulting in some children seeking asylum in Ireland by themselves. They are categorised as Separated Children Seeking International Protection (SCSIP), and the average age among them is 16-17.

Most of them travelled for a long period of time before arriving in Ireland.

Tusla’s SCSIP department received 782 referrals, up from 619 in 2024. Of these, 742 children entered care or accommodation provided by the state.

Some 5,879 children were in the care system at the end of 2025, including 150 unaccompanied minors. Of those in care, 86% were in foster homes.

Tusla approved 233 new foster carers, which is the highest number in a year since 2020.

Out of 392 children who were in care on 1 January 2025, 138 were still there by the end of the year.