Child and Family Agency Data

Tuesday, 27 March 2018

Ceisteanna (547)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

547. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children at risk cases which Tusla has categorised as founded and unfounded for each of the past 12 months in tabular form; and if this information is not available, the reason these figures are not recorded. [13794/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

Referrals to Tusla's Child Protection and Welfare services are categorised as either Welfare or Protection referrals. Table 1 provides a breakdown of referrals by type from Q1 2016 to Q3 2017. Data is provided quarterly in arrears. The figures in Table 1 are published in Tusla's Q4 report for 2017.

Table 1.

Referrals by Type
	Q1 2016	Q2 2016	Q3 2016	Q4 2016	Q1 2017	Q2 2017	Q3 2017
Welfare	6,754	7,229	7,145	7,184	8,171	9,264	7,732
Abuse	4,552	5,035	4,587	4,913	5,458	4,999	4,766
Total	11,306	11,264	11,732	12,097	13,629	14,263	12,498

When a referral is received, a preliminary enquiry is carried out. This can include verifying the details provided by the referrer, the details of the child, and establishing whether the child has been referred to social services previously. The information is weighed to determine whether it meets the threshold for further assessment.

If the threshold is met, the referral may proceed to an initial assessment by an allocated child protection social worker. An initial assessment involves meeting with the child and family, and information is gathered on the needs and risks relating to the child, to determine what actions can be taken to provide the best outcome for the child.

Table 2 outlines the number of referrals where a preliminary enquiry proceeded to initial assessment. Figures are provided quarterly in arrears, and subject to ongoing validation.

Percentage of preliminary enquiries and initial assessments carried out
	Q1 2016	Q2 2016	Q3 2016	Q4 2016	Q1 2017	Q2 2017	Q3 2017
Preliminary Enquiry Completed	99%	98%	97%	98%	98%	97%	98%
Initial Assessment Completed	46%	43%	41%	43%	40%	34%	36%

Following the initial assessment the case may be determined to need further action from a child protection service, but may be referred to family support or other appropriate services. Where the assessment identifies a child protection need the social worker will continue working with the child and family to support a safe outcome for the child.

Summary data from Tusla for Q4 2017 reported outcomes following an initial assessment as 49% no further action from child protection, 11% child protection response, 24% further child protection assessment, 2% admission to care and 24% child welfare/family conference action.