Denis Naughten
Ceist:459 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the criteria laid down by his Department for the investigation of a case of physical child abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26967/01]
Written Answers. - Child Abuse.
The procedures involved in the assessment of a case of physical abuse of a child are contained in Children First – National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children which were published by my Department in September 1999.
Children First represents a major development in strengthening arrangements for the protection of children and the objectives of the guidelines are to improve the identification, reporting, assessment, treatment and management of child abuse. Children First are over-arching national guidelines that apply to all individuals and agencies who have contact with children.
Implementation of Children First is a priority of the health boards at present and I have approved an additional £6.25 million in revenue funding to health boards since the launch of the guidelines to assist in the implementation process.