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Children in Care

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 September 2013

Thursday, 19 September 2013

Questions (167, 168, 169)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

167. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of reports received in respect of the well-being of children in care deemed to be at risk for whatever reason; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38975/13]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

168. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which she is satisfied regarding the safety and security of children at risk in State institutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38976/13]

View answer

Bernard Durkan

Question:

169. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which children have been reported at risk following referral to State care, institutionally or otherwise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38977/13]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 167 to 169, inclusive, together.

The HSE compiles performance reports which include statistics in relation to referrals of child abuse and of child welfare concerns. These reports are published on the HSE website. The reports show that in 2012, the HSE received 19,044 referrals of child abuse and 21,143 referrals of child welfare concerns.

I have been advised by the HSE that there are a variety of measures in place to ensure the safety of children in State care. Firstly, a thorough assessment of their needs is carried out prior to being taken into care or, in the case of an emergency, shortly after being taken into care. Children are then placed with carers who have being thoroughly assessed and meet the strict criteria as set down by the HSE. Once a child is placed the placement is closely monitored by the child's allocated social worker, and child is visited in the foster home or residential unit.

Staff in residential units receive ongoing supervision and training to ensure that they understand their role as carers and ensure the safety of children in their care. Foster carers also receive support from a link social worker and are provided with training. The Regulations provide that care plans for children in care are reviewed every six months for the first two years and then annually thereafter unless there is a change in circumstance when a special review may take place.

Absconsions and missing in care episodes can occur from time to time. The HSE has a joint protocol with An Garda Síochána to manage such incidents, which was revised in 2012. Senior HSE and An Garda Síochána meet on a regular basis to monitor the number of missing children.

Any allegations of concern or complaint by a child against carers or others are dealt with in line with Children First, National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2011. Assessments are carried out in relation to their ongoing safety and they are moved to alternative placement where necessary.

The Health Information and Quality Authority monitors the HSE to ensure compliance with the Child Care Regulations 1995 the National Standards for Foster care and the National Standards for Residential Care, all of which clearly set out the role for the state in relation to the care, protection and the safeguarding of children in care. HIQA has undertaken over 500 inspections of residential care centres since 2000 and 27 foster care inspections. Similarly, the HSE Inspection and Monitoring service also inspects and monitors the private foster and residential care providers to ensure compliance with the Regulations and the National Standards. As of May 2013 there was 6441 children in care, 91% had an allocated social worker. 80% approximately of foster carers as of June 2013 had an allocated link worker

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