Tusla apologized for blaming a 10-year-old abuse victim by using “absconded,” amid concerns over children in care.

Ireland’s child and family agency Tusla apologized for using the term “absconded” in a statement about a 10-year-old girl allegedly sexually assaulted while in state care, acknowledging the language appeared to blame the victim. The apology follows public concern over several high-profile cases involving children in care, including missing and deceased children. Tusla confirmed that children in care go missing daily, but said it works closely with police to locate them quickly. Most children in care are in foster homes and attending school, though staffing shortages hinder support for about 100 to 150 with complex needs. The agency is under external review, and officials are improving tracking, with any unaccounted child reported missing within 15 minutes.