Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 December 2017
229. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on the recent statement by an organisation (details supplied) that vulnerable children are being left in neglectful homes until they are harmed due to the fact social workers are not using their powers properly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52490/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla has a statutory duty to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. The immediate safety of the child is the first consideration. Decisions made by social workers are taken with the best interests of the child in mind. This can involve balancing a complex range of factors.
Neglect is the most commonly occurring child protection issue, ahead of abuse and maltreatment. A distinction can be drawn between 'wilful' and 'circumstantial' neglect. For example, deliberately withholding food, shelter, seasonally appropriate clothing or social contact would be considered wilful neglect. Situations where parents or guardians are struggling to cope due to personal difficulties, stress or health issues may result in circumstantial neglect. Common categories of neglect include physical neglect, inadequate supervision or exposure to hazards, educational neglect, or exposure to drugs.
Upon receipt of an appropriate referral, the Duty Social Worker carries out preliminary enquiries, including checking to see if the case is already open or known to child protection services, clarifies the nature of the concern, contacts key professionals, e.g. public health nurses or teachers, and records the details of the child and family. In some cases the threshold for a child protection assessment or response is not met but a child has an unmet identified need. Tusla provides a continuum of care supports and interventions for 'at risk' children and their families, including early intervention and prevention services, family supports services and community based services such as Meitheal. It is commonly found that when family supports are provided, the situation improves.
While the child's safety and welfare are the primary concern, removing a child from their home can be a traumatic and stressful experience. Social workers must at all times draw on their professional judgement and undertake a risk assessment to balance the safety of a child with the potential loss and trauma that may be caused by removing them from the family home.
