Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013
1107. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of incidents of child abuse of a physical, psychological or sexual nature reported in each of the past four years to date; the extent to which all such issues have been followed up in the context of resolution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17597/13]
View answerThe HSE's Review of Adequacy of Children and Family Services for 2011, which is available to view on the HSE website, includes the following information in relation to the number of child protection concerns received in the period 2009 - 2011. The category of child protection includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect.
2009: 12,013
2010: 12,825
2011: 15,818
The review also gives separate figures in relation to welfare referrals.
The Review of Adequacy in respect of 2012 is not yet available. However, Performance Monitoring Reports compiled by the HSE, and also available to view on its website, indicate that 14,391 referrals for child abuse were received in 2012.
Each referral received by the HSE is assessed and progressed on an individual basis by the relevant social work team. Preliminary screening is aimed at establishing the appropriateness of the referral to HSE Children and Family services and if necessary is followed by an initial assessment of the nature and degree of any harm and an assessment of the child's needs.
