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Vulnerable teenagers are still falling through the gap between child and adult mental health services, it has been claimed.
Human rights group Amnesty International Ireland said a report on child deaths in State care made for a harrowing read.
And Colm O'Gorman, executive director and chair of the Children's Mental Health Coalition, warned the mental health and emotional needs of children still have to be addressed.
"We know that children are most vulnerable when entering or exiting care and particular emphasis must be given to assessing their initial needs to ensure better and consistent support," he said.
"Similarly, pre-release planning that includes a care plan with access to appropriate follow up support to include mental health services is crucial for children in detention or in secure care.
"Sixteen and 17-year-olds are still falling through the gap between child and adult mental health services, and the child and adolescent services must be adapted so these young people can access appropriate assessment and/or treatment."
Children's rights groups said the report was a shocking indictment of how children are viewed and treated.
Bart Storan, of Campaign for Children, said children were failed at every opportunity, by their families, their communities, and their state.
"These tragedies did not happen in a foreign land or at a point far in our distant past," he said.
"This is the tragic experience of 196 young people in Ireland over the last decade. They were our brothers and our sisters, our sons and our daughters."
