Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:25 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number of children at risk taken into care by health boards in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Children at Risk.
My Department carries out an annual survey of children in the care of health boards. Admissions are categorised under a number of headings. I propose to circulate with the Official Report a table showing the number of admissions under those headings which relate to children at risk during 1988, 1989 and 1990, the most recent years for which figures are available. I would like to emphasise that the table includes children received into the care of health boards on a voluntary basis with the consent of their parents, as well as children committed on a compulsory basis pursuant to a court order.
Number of children at risk admitted to care of health boards
|
Reason for Admission |
1988 |
1989 |
1990 |
|
Physical abuse |
49 |
58 |
49 |
|
Sexual abuse |
58 |
42 |
34 |
|
Emotional abuse |
11 |
19 |
10 |
|
Neglect |
76 |
118 |
138 |
|
Parent/parents unable to cope |
281 |
236 |
287 |
|
Parental disharmony |
26 |
28 |
42 |
|
Child out of control |
66 |
55 |
68 |
|
Child abandoned/rejected |
44 |
54 |
51 |
|
Totals |
610 |
610 |
679 |