Finian McGrath
Question:379. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the support available to a family (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [40314/12]
View answerTuesday, 25 September 2012
Questions (379)
Written answers
The details of this case have been brought to the attention of the HSE National Office for Children First for their attention. The HSE has statutory responsibility for the welfare and protection of children, under the Child Care Act, 1991.
The Deputy is advised that in cases where there is concern for the welfare and protection of a child, a report should be made at the earliest oppportunity to the HSE and/or An Garda Síochána as set out in Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children. It is in the best interests of the child, his or her family and the person reporting the concern that reports are made through the proper channels, to ensure timely reporting of the concern and the appropriate confidentiality for all involved.
The aim of the Children First National Guidance is to direct the identification, investigation, assessment, reporting, treatment and management of child safety concerns. It sets out a number of key messages relating to the duty to protect children. Among these are that the safety and welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility, that children will have safer lives where everyone is attentive to their wellbeing and that people who work with children across a range of areas understand their responsibility for safe practice and the reporting of concerns.