asked the Minister for Health whether there is any type of early warning system at present applicable to children who, in the perception of doctors, nurses, qualified social workers or other parties with a legitimate interest in the welfare of such children, may be suffering abuse, maltreatment or neglect; whether any such system operates either at hospitals, health boards, clinics or other institutions; whether any such system has either formal or informal status; and if he will make a statement with respect to the desirability or otherwise of such a system.
Written Answers. - Child Abuse.
178.
My Department has issued guidelines for the early identification and the management of cases of child non-accidental injury, including neglect, to each health board for circulation to all personnel who come in contact with children in the course of their work. Such personnel would include hospital staff, general medical practitioners, gardai, public health nurses, social workers and teachers.
The purpose of the guidelines is to provide guidance for such personnel on the identification, management and prevention of non-accidental injury to children by reference to a prepared checklist of indicators. The guidelines also set out the procedures to be followed where there is justification for suspicion that a child may be the victim of abuse.
Responsibility for monitoring and coordinating the management of cases rests with the director of each community care area to whom all notifications of cases or suspected cases are made.
It is impossible to devise a foolproof system of this type but I am satisfied that the arrangement now in operation is the most realistic that can be devised. I would assure the Deputy that it is under constant review.