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Child Abuse Prevention

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 December 2013

Tuesday, 17 December 2013

Questions (524, 525, 527)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

524. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which her Department continues to be made aware of incidents of various forms of child abuse on a weekly or monthly basis in the course of the past 12 months to date; the extent to which it has been found possible to make a positive intervention at the earliest possible stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54362/13]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

525. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the various categories of child or youth abuse brought to the attention of her Department in the past two years to date; the extent to which it has been found possible to deal with the issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54364/13]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

527. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which child mental, physical or sex abuse or child prostitution remains an issue, with particular reference to the number of any such instances reported to her Department since her appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54366/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 524, 525 and 527 together.

Statutory responsibility for the delivery of child welfare and protection services rests with the HSE, which is the appropriate body to receive all reports of concerns relating to all forms of child abuse.

My Department occasionally receives calls from individuals concerned about the safety and well-being of a child. In all such cases my officials provide whatever assistance is required to allow such an individual to make a proper referral to the statutory authorities. Such assistance can often include my officials contacting the HSE directly on behalf of the individual. It is not possible to quantify the volume of such calls.

The HSE publishes a range of reports on performance indicators on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis. Among these indicators is information relating to referral and assessment processes. The HSE also provides an annual Review of Adequacy Report under Section 8 of the Child Care Act 1991. The Annual Service planning process also provides an opportunity to set out service priorities in the context of available resources. In addition, information is provided to me by the HSE on specific issues as required or to inform me of policy or legislative issues arising in the services.

Child abuse referrals are broken down into four categories: sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse and neglect. Although child prostitution is recorded as sexual abuse, it is not broken down according to the type of sexual abuse reported. In 2011 there were 15,808 referrals where there was a concern of child abuse received and in 2012 there were 19,044 received. Figures to date for 2013 indicate that the level of referrals will be similar to the number of reports made to Social Work Services in 2012.

The HSE has advised that all referrals received receive an initial assessment to determine what further action is required in accordance with Children First Guidance (2011). Any immediate protective action which may be required is taken in accordance with the HSE's statutory duty under the Child Care Act 1991. Intervention is provided as appropriate ensuring at all times that it is proportionate and in accordance with an assessment of the child's needs. Where it is not possible to deal immediately with a referral of abuse, those which are assessed as highest priority are dealt with in the first instance by social work teams. All referrals received are reviewed and responses monitored.

It is important to note that a small proportion of all referrals made to the HSE are substantiated as above.

As regards the Deputy's query in relation to making a positive intervention at the earliest possible stage, my Department does not receive information in this regard. However, the HSE are always requested to highlight to my Department any cases which may have policy or legislative implications. This is the position for all cases referred to the HSE, not only those which come through my Department.

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