The assessment of child sexual abuse allegations is extremely important and a highly emotive subject. As a result it is of extreme importance that there are clear guidelines on the responsibilities of the statutory agencies involved in this area. These guidelines are clearly set out in Children First, – National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children, which were published by my Department in September 1999. 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 and represent a major development in strengthening arrangements for the protection of children.
The guidelines clearly set out the following principles of best practice in child protection.
– The welfare of the child is of paramount importance.
– A proper balance must be struck between protecting children and respecting the rights and needs of parents or carers and families; but where there is conflict, the child's welfare must come first.
– Children have a right to be heard, listened to, and to be taken seriously. Taking into account their age and understanding, they should be consulted and involved in all matters and decisions which may affect their lives.
– Early intervention and support should be available to promote the welfare of children and families.
– Parents have a right to respect and should be consulted and involved in matters concerning their child.
– Intervention should not deal with the child in isolation, the child must be seen in a family setting.
– Children should only be separated from parents or carers when all alternative means of protecting them have been exhausted. Reunion should always be considered
Total additional funding of €9.47 million has been made available to assist the implementation of Children First since the publication of the guidelines. I believe that the Children First Guidelines provide appropriate guidance to health boards on the matters raised by the Deputy, and do not propose to establish a Dáil Committee to inquire into these matters.
