HSE Ireland v SF (a minor)

The respondent SF was born in the Republic of Ireland in April 1995. She had had many problems from an early age and had been diagnosed with an emotionally unstable personality disorder, severe depression with suicidal ideation, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

In September 1998, she was received into local authority care in Ireland and was subsequently made the subject of a full care order. In March 2010, SF was placed in a high support unit. Following an escalation in her behaviours, including absconding (and returning under the influence of aerosols and other intoxicants), aggression towards other residents and staff, and self harm, ranging from superficial injuries to very serious wounds to her arms and legs and, on one occasion, an attempt to choke herself with a handbag strap, the staff at the high support unit considered that they could not keep her safe and, in January 2012, the applicant Health Service Executive of Ireland (HSE) applied for, and was granted, an order permitting SF to be detained at a special care unit.

In view of her very serious difficulties, those responsible for her care concluded that there were no facilities appropriate to her needs in the Irish Republic and an approach was made to a unit in England (the English unit).