Clare Daly
Question:
193. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the way in which Tusla ensures professional standards and clinical oversight of external private contractor specialists, including specialist forensic assessors, in child sexual abuse allegations. [41673/18]
View answer
I have referred the question to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. A further reply will issue when I have had their response.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 41673118 of 11 October 2018.
I am informed by Tusla that, in the vast majority of cases, assessments of child sexual abuse cases are carried out by Tusla social workers.
Tusla will engage with external contractors when a service is not available internally or through the Health Services Executive psychological or mental health services, External contractors can also be engaged when a service Is not available through specialist services such as St Louise’s or St Ciare’s assessment and therapy services for child sexual abuse.
When Tusla engages external private contractor specialists, they are engaging in a specific case. The work is specified to that individual case and the unique requirements are identified. Cases are only sent to private contractors who are qualified to undertake the work.
Reports, when finalised, are often presented in court and are subject to cross examination. All reports are reviewed by the commissioning social worker and Tusla management to examine the standards and suitability of the work. In these cases, internal Tusla psychologists, or Health Services executive psychologists, can provide further oversight where issues requiring clarification are identified.
I trust this information is of use to you.
