Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 December 2021
144. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which his Department continues to receive updates in respect of children at risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59737/21]
View answer149. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which reports of children at risk continue to be made to the appropriate bodies under his aegis; the extent to which these issues have been examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59742/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 149 together.
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has a statutory duty to respond to reports of children who may not be receiving adequate care and protection. Tusla assesses the information received and the child and family’s situation, and provides appropriate social work intervention and family support services. Where necessary in the best interest of the child, children are received into the care of Tusla.
Tusla has a dedicated Quality Assurance Team which produces monthly, quarterly and annual reports in respect of Tusla's functions, including detailed reporting on child safety and protection services. Most recent reports indicate that Tusla received 6,405 child protection and welfare referrals in September 2021, 748 (13%) more than August 2021 (5,657) and 294 (5%) more than September 2020 (6,111). The reports are published on Tusla's website and are scrutinised by my officials. Issues of note are brought to my attention. The reports provide statistical evidence of improvements to child welfare and protection services and highlight challenges and areas where further improvement is required, such as the recruitment of additional social workers.
Additionally, Tusla child protection and welfare, and alternative care services are inspected against the relevant Standards and Regulations by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). These inspection reports are also published, and the findings used to inform the development and improvement of services within Tusla. HIQA's most recent thematic report of 12 child protection services was positive, identifying improvements in governance and oversight by Tusla managers. The reports include many positive comments by parents and children of their experience with social workers and give examples of good practice and dedicated staff. However, some areas continue to identify challenges in maintaining a consistently high standard of service, often ascribed to the the impact of staffing shortages, and difficulties in finding appropriate placements for children and young people.
Officials from my Department meet Tusla management on a regular basis to review the level of service provision, including areas in need of improvement. The recruitment and retention of social workers is a priority for Tusla, and in that regard there is a significant amount of work being done, both by Tusla and my officials, to increase the recruitment of social workers.
