Joan Burton
Question:
303. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of probation and welfare officers appointed to supervise parents or guardians in accordance with the Children Act 2001 in each of the years 2012 to 2018 and to date in 2019. [21897/19]
View answer
I am having inquiries made in this matter. I will write to the Deputy shortly with further information.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 303 for answer on 21 May 2019 in which the Deputy asked the number of Probation Officers appointed to supervise parents or guardians in accordance with the Children Act, 2001.
Section 111 of the Children Act 2001, provides for a Parental Supervision Order. Section 111 (8) states “the court shall appoint a probation and welfare officer to supervise the parents, to assist them in complying with the order and to monitor compliance with it”.
As an initial step in dealing with juvenile matters, the Court requests the preparation of an assessment called a Pre-Sentence Report (PSR), provided for in Section 99 of the Children Act 2001. The PSRs provide pertinent background information, offence analysis and, in most cases, recommendations for the way forward in managing the particular case.
Following receipt of a PSR, should the Court wish to make an order for supervision from the suite of options provided for under the Children Act 2001, including a Parental Supervision Order, the matter is returned to the Probation Service and a Probation Officer is assigned to supervise the relevant order.
I understand from the Probation Service that no Parental Supervision Orders were made during the period 2012 to date. As you will appreciate, it is a matter for the judiciary whether an order is made under Section 111.
However, I can confirm that in working with young persons before the Court, the Probation Service takes a broad, holistic approach which seeks to engage parents/guardians as part of its assessment process and subsequent interventions with young persons. An example is the use of volunteer mentoring support for both the young person, and where required, for the parent. My understanding is that the Court may favour the Courts alternative options such as the mentoring programme mentioned above to the more formal Parental Supervision order option.
I hope this information is of assistance.
