Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Jun 1994

Vol. 444 No. 5

Written Answers. - Residential Places for Children.

Liz O'Donnell

Question:

137 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to allegations that children in respect of whom Health Board social workers have obtained a fit person order under section 58 of the Childrens Act, 1908, on the grounds of ill-treatment or neglect are, instead of being taken into care, being returned to the family home because of the lack of residential places; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

A fit person order is sought by a health board following a detailed risk assessment process which considers whether the child's safety can be protected while remaining at home, or whether removal of the child from home is necessary in the particular circumstances of the case. The great majority of children who are the subjects of fit person orders are placed with foster parents rather than in residential care.

However, even where it is considered necessary to remove a child from his/her home, that is not the end of the matter. It is an important objective to try to minimise the disruption to the child's life and where possible to reunite the child with the family if this is consistent with his/her best interests. Health boards devote considerable efforts to trying to re-unite the child with his/her family when this can be safely achieved. Examples would be where the abuser leaves the family home, either voluntarily or as a result of a barring order or prison sentence. Even where it is not possible for a child to be returned home on a full time basis, efforts are made to maintain contact with the family and this can involve short periods of stay in the family home. If the Deputy is aware of any case in which a child has been returned home to a situation in which he or she is in danger, I would be most anxious to have the details so that the matter can be investigated.