The HSE has warned parents to ask for ID after a man pretending to be from the HSE called to a house in the Midlands claiming he was there to collect a boy for out of home support – and knew the child’s personal details.
The man was wearing a face mask and hat – and the child’s mother became suspicious and asked him for his ID. He then left and she reported the incident.
HSE staff always carry photo ID and clients and their families are always entitled to ask for ID to be shown.
A copy of the HSE letter has been circulating amongst parents who are concerned at how the man knew the child’s name and that he attended HSE services out of home.
The letter warned parents and guardians to request identification from all staff calling to the house claiming to provide home support or respite care.
According to Virgin Media News, the Family Carers Ireland group described the incident as an “attempted abduction”.
#WATCH The HSE has been pressed to provide more detail on what the Family Carers Ireland describes as an "attempted abduction"#VMNews Correspondent @ZaraKing reports⤵️ pic.twitter.com/WGw9Z5Qc9Q
— Virgin Media News (@VirginMediaNews) June 14, 2023
The group said that the case was “extremely worrying” and that an attempt had been made to take a vulnerable person from the home. “For every family its your worst nightmare,” they said.
Spokeswoman Catherine Cox said that families needed to know more details from the HSE: such as where the case happened, that it was being investigated, and that it would not happen again. She also called for the perpetrator to be brought to justice.
Parents shared the HSE’s letter widely on social media, expressing deep concern that the alleged would-be abductor knew the child’s personal details.
The HSE has been contacted for comment. Earlier this week they told the Irish Mirror that staff always carry photo ID.
“HSE Midlands Louth Meath Community Healthcare Organisation was made aware of an incident late last month where a person claiming to be from the HSE i.e. Home Support worker, called to a home to collect a child for an out of home support provision. When the person was unable to provide ID, he left.”
“Notification has been issued to parents in receipt of home support to always request identification from all staff calling to homes to provide home support.
“The HSE also advises parents to report any suspicious activity or calls to the relevant authorities. This incident has been reported to An Garda Síochána and TUSLA.”