Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 May 2017
24. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of cases relating to adult retrospective disclosures which have been referred to Tusla since 2011; the number that remain unallocated; and the number of those which are deemed high risk. [22330/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA historical or retrospective disclosure is where an adult discloses abuse experienced in childhood. I understand that the overwhelming majority of such disclosures are about sexual abuse.
Tusla has advised me that there were 1,895 historical/retrospective cases on hand at the end of March 2017. Tusla has also indicated that, included in these cases, they received 354 reports from adults about past abuse during the first three months of this year. Of the cases on hand, 1,141 were allocated to a social worker, and 754 were awaiting allocation. All of these referrals have been reviewed by a social worker and 120 were categorised as high priority.
This is a very complex and worrying situation. The safety of children now is my top priority.
It is very important to point out that all child protection referrals which allege current or past criminal activity are referred to An Gardaí Síochána. Tusla’s focus is to screen historical/retrospective disclosures for any indication of current risk to children. In cases of urgent need, the disclosure is acted on immediately.
Tusla has a limited role where there is no evidence of a current risk to children. In relation to the adult making the disclosure, Tusla may assist them in accessing HSE counselling services.
Tusla's policy in assessing risk relating to an adult about whom an allegation of sexual abuse has been made is strictly guided by the principles set out in the Barr Judgement. In such cases, the person must be informed of the nature of the allegation and the identity of the person who is making the complaint. Tusla must adhere to the practice of due process and fair procedure.
Tusla has put in place a service improvement plan with experienced social workers dealing with the high priority cases. Medium and lower priority cases will be dealt with by social workers drawn from other services and provided with training and supervision.
I have asked Tusla to report to me monthly on the progress they are making.
