Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2018
963. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if it is Tusla policy that the questioning of children in regard to disclosures of sexual abuse is conducted in a child friendly and appropriate manner, in a child friendly and appropriate venue including in circumstances in which such questioning is being conducted by outside contractors; and if so, the way in which Tusla monitors if this policy is followed in each case. [45123/18]
View answerChildren may disclose sexual abuse in any environment and to any person they choose. In all cases, where such a disclosure is made and referred to Tusla, a social worker will approach a meeting with the child on the basis of building a rapport. Once the social worker has developed an understanding of the child’s communication capabilities, he or she will be asked to tell their story in their own words. The environment is supportive and child friendly. The social worker will facilitate the child’s return to his or her carers.
The venues for such meetings can be in the child’s own home or school. However, on occasion other suitable locations may have to be used depending on the level of urgency and/or the safety of the child. It is important that these venues are child friendly and have a supportive environment. However, when medical consultation is necessary, the venue may need to be a more clinical setting. Every effort is made to make medical consultations as child friendly as possible.
Representatives from Tusla and outside agencies meet regularly to discuss ways of improving the quality of services in regards to children making disclosures of sexual abuse.
I have also committed to establish centres for supporting children who have suffered sexual abuse a way that would minimise their trauma while accessing care or health services, and engaging with the criminal justice system.
This proposal has the agreement of the Minister for Justice and Equality, Charles Flanagan TD and Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD, and a pilot centre will be opened in 2019.
