The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has reported significant concerns regarding children living in unregulated accommodation in Ireland, citing a critical shortage of appropriate residential and foster placements. The ten-year review highlights that the number of children’s residential services has remained unchanged, leading to long-term placements in unsuitable settings. The report calls for urgent action to improve care capacity and highlights the detrimental impact of staffing gaps and changing family structures on children’s services. A collaborative national strategy is deemed essential for addressing these challenges.