Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 June 2014
258. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the procedures the Health Service Executive should follow when a complaint of suspected abuse within a family is made by a minor; the timelines that should be followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25133/14]
View answerSince 1st January 2014, statutory responsibility for the delivery of child welfare and protection services rests with the Child and Family Agency. Where a person has reasonable grounds for concern that a child is being or at risk of being abused or neglected or where a child has a complaint that he/she has been harmed, this should be referred to the local social work department of the Agency. Such referrals can either relate to a child's welfare or where there is a concern of child abuse, that is, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or neglect. Where a referral indicates that there is an immediate risk to the safety of a child, it is the practice of the Agency to respond immediately.
The Agency has advised that all referrals 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 Agency'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.
