Tusla saw a record number of referrals last year

Tusla received a record 106,444 referrals regarding the safety and welfare of a child in 2025, according to figures in its annual report.

Individual children made up 55,483 of the total number, equating to around one in 23 children in Ireland. This is based on the 2022 Census figures.

The report found that the most common concern was emotional abuse, followed by physical abuse, neglect and sexual abuse. Emotional abuse makes up nearly half of the reported concerns.

When it came to the primary sources of referrals to Tusla, An Garda Síochána accounted for 34%, teachers for 12%, safeguarding officers for 11%, and social workers for 10%.

By the end of 2025, there were 5,879 children in care, which includes 150 separated children seeking international protection. Fostering remains a strong point of the Irish care system, 86% of children in care are residing in these settings.

The report showed that 1,249 staff appointments were carried out last year, with a staff retention rate of 94.5%.

CEO of Tusla, Kate Duggan, said: “In 2025, we experienced the largest ever demand for our services, receiving over 106,000 referrals to our child safety service, up 10% compared to 2024.

“While challenges remain, progress is evident. As the state agency responsible for child safety and welfare, we are committed to further strengthening our services, promoting innovation and working in partnership to achieve better outcomes and brighter futures for children, young people and families across Ireland, while also strengthening trust and public confidence in our services.”

Chairperson Madeline Clarke added: “Behind these numbers are individual lives and experiences, and the Board remains deeply conscious of the importance of ensuring services are responsive, safe, compassionate and effective for all those who rely on them.”