Written Answers Nos. 972-991
972. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of parents and children in domestic violence refuges nationally in each of the years 2016 to 2018; the number of parents and children ready to move out of the supported accommodation but awaiting appropriate housing in each of the years 2016 to 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54239/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla, the Child and Family Agency has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. I have requested Tusla to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
973. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a review will be carried out on a decision in relation to the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54305/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) is a programme of supports designed to enable children with a disability to access and fully participate in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme. It was introduced in June 2016 and is administered by Pobal on behalf of my Department. AIM supports children with disabilities to attend mainstream pre-school where they can learn and socialise with their peers. AIM is a child-centred model, involving 7 levels of progressive support, moving from the universal to the targeted, based on the needs of the child in the context of the pre-school setting they are attending.
An application was made on behalf of the child in question for AIM Level 5 support. AIM Level 5 provides for access to specialised equipment, appliances, assistive technology and/or minor alterations capital grants for early learning and care settings where such equipment is critical to ensuring that a child with a disability can meaningfully participate in the ECCE programme.
Equipment that is also for use outside the pre-school setting and that can be transported from home to the pre-school is not eligible for funding through AIM. Items such as the weighted blanket and weighted lap pad, requested on behalf of this child, fall into this category. Requests for such items should be made through the HSE by the child's therapist, for use by the child both in the home and outside the home.
Pobal has advised me that, while the decision to refuse the equipment in this case was correctly made, there were errors in the wording used in emails issued by them to the child’s parents, pre-school service and HSE therapist on 9/11/18 and 20/11/18. These emails incorrectly stated that the equipment was being refused because it was standard play equipment. They should instead have stated that the equipment was being refused because it can be transported from home. Pobal has apologised for these errors and has clarified the position with the relevant parties. There is no basis for a review of this decision as this type of equipment is not eligible for funding through AIM.
974. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of managers in private emergency accommodation, PEAs, hubs and hotels where children are accommodated who have and have not, respectively, already been trained to fulfil their role as mandated reporters under the Children First Act 2015; if training in the way in which to use the Tusla reporting portal or complete a child protection notice has been provided to each manager; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54318/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the provision of emergency accommodation to families experiencing homelessness is a matter for the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, the Housing Agencies and (in Dublin) the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE).
My Department does not provide Children First Training for managers of emergency accommodation and is thus not in a position to answer the Deputy's question. The enactment of the Children First Act 2015 is predicated on the clear principle that child protection issues are the responsibility of all Departments in their respective sectors, and that they must be embedded in the policy considerations of all Departments. Training in relation to obligations under the Children First Act is thus not solely a matter for the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, but a matter for all Departments and agencies and indeed for any entity that has regular engagement with children.
Tusla has produced a range of resources to support the implementation of Children First. In particular a 90 minute e-learning module is universally available free of charge on its website. The module covers the recognising and reporting of child abuse, the role of mandated persons, and the safeguarding responsibilities of organisations working with children. The training module is available through the Tusla website www.tusla.ie.
975. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the implementation actions as recommended under the implementation plan for Tusla actions arising from an audit (details supplied) that have been completed; the actions outstanding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54332/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for her question. I met with Dr. Shannon after the publication of his report to better understand the intent of the report recommendations and seek clarity on the measures that would be applied to assess the implementation of his recommendations. Following these discussions Dr, Shannon and I agreed to the measures outlined in the Action Plan.
I am pleased to report progress has been made on the recommendations. While many of the recommendations for Tusla are of an ongoing nature, I sought assurance at the start of this process that the issues identified are kept to the fore across child protection assessments and ongoing engagement with vulnerable families.
The ongoing implementation of Signs of Safety as the national approach to child protection provides an increased level of analysis and judgement, which will improve consistency in determining appropriate response pathways for children and families, ensuring they receive a proportionate and timely response.
Joint working between Tusla and An Garda Síochána has been enhanced on a number of levels. In relation to Tusla's engagement with An Garda Síochána, the Joint Working Protocol has been operational since Quarter 1, 2018. Work has now commenced on the joint auditing of its implementation.
The Tusla/An Garda Síochána Joint Data Sharing Agreement is expected to be signed off by Tusla's Interim CEO and the Garda Commissioner in Quarter 1, 2019.
The AGS has established the National Child Protection Unit which is now operational. In October 2018, Tusla assigned a senior staff member for secondment to this Unit with specific responsibility for the development of a joint working model. A draft Specialist Interviewing Protocol is under consultation, with a target launch date end of February 2019.
Progress has also been made on developing the out of hours social work service. A single national out of hours number went live on 3/12/18 and is available to members of An Garda Síochána, Out of Hours GP services and the Accident and Emergency service. This service provides access to an on-call social worker at regional /area level who can go the scene of an incident in specific cases of a serious nature.
You may also be interested to know that Dr. Shannon's findings on the way Section 12 events were managed by An Garda Síochána prompted me to request Tusla to commission research into how social workers made decisions when a child came into their custody, following the use by An Garda Síochána of Section 12 of the Child Care Act 1991. This research was undertaken by NUI Galway and a final report is expected early this year.
The focus of Dr. Shannon's audit of the application of Section 12 was An Garda Síochána, but the report also identified key areas for improvement in Tusla practice. The Action Plan I agreed with Dr. Shannon addressed these areas. While not all actions are not yet completed, I am confident that the changes that have been put in place are bringing about lasting improvements.
976. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps foster parents can take if they require information in relation to their work as a foster parent in view of the fact they are of the view they cannot contact their local office; if they can contact the head office in Dublin; if so, the person responsible for dealing with such queries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54342/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIf a foster carer does not have an allocated link social worker they should, in the first instance, make contact with their local foster care team leader or the duty team. Should the response or support needed be insufficient the foster carers may contact the principal social worker responsible for foster care. The line managers for the area including the the area and regional regional managers may also be contacted and their details are available on the Tusla website.
A foster carer may also direct queries to the Chief Operations Officer in Tusla, Mr Jim Gibson. Mr Gibson is based in the national office in Dublin and contact details for his office are available at www.tusla.ie/get-in-touch/management-team/.
Tusla is in the process of developing a 24 hr help line for foster carers, which will be phased in in 2019.
The Irish Foster Care Association provides a National Support Helpline, which offers callers information and support. Details for accessing the helpline are available on http://www.ifca.ie/.
977. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the criteria used when deciding the location of a family resource centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54346/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra978. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the criteria used when deciding the funding allocation to a family resource centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54347/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 977 and 978 together.
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency administers the Family Resource Centre Programme. At the end of 2017 there were 109 Family Resource Centres (FRCs) in receipt of funding from Tusla. My Department provided Tusla with additional funding of €3.0 m in 2018 to expand the programme with the inclusion of 11 additional centres, bringing the total number of Family Resource Centres to 120.
The methodology and criteria considered in selecting 11 new FRCs from the list of applicants included the size and make-up of the geographical area; the social and economic conditions of the specified area; and the overall population breakdown of the area that would be serviced by the centre. The criteria also considered the structure of the organisation(s) applying to the Programme; their objectives, targets, and current relationships with other organisations; and the inclusion of available research, community projects, and needs assessments with the application.
Decisions by Tusla in relation to the funding of individual FRCs have regard to the location, size and catchment area of each centre. The process aims to be equitable and transparent. All decisions are made to ensure that available resources are applied to improving outcomes for children and families nationally in the most efficient, effective, equitable, proportionate and sustainable way.
Tusla also considers Area Commissioning Plans, Children and Young People's Service Committee plans, and other available evidence, to ensure that the allocated funding targets those children and families that are most in need.
It is important that the needs of children and families are met in the best way possible, particularly in areas of disadvantage. I will continue to support the work of Family Resource Centres and family support services throughout the country.
979. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her Department conducts yearly evaluations of the performance of family resource centres; and if so, the process for doing so. [54348/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla, the Child and Family Agency is responsible for the administration of the Family Resource Centre Programme. My Department does not conduct yearly evaluations of the performance of Family Resource Centres.
980. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of full-time equivalent staff in each family resource centre in tabular form. [54349/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla, the Child and Family Agency is responsible for the administration of the Family Resource Centre Programme. As the Deputy's question refers to an operational matter for Tusla, I have requested Tusla to respond directly to the Deputy.
981. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount of funding that has been allocated to the ABC programme for 2019. [54350/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra985. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she is considering expanding the ABC programme. [54354/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 981 and 985 together.
The ABC Programme commenced in 2013 and was designed as a time-bound, co-funding agreement led by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) in conjunction with The Atlantic Philanthropies (Atlantic), originally in the amount of 29.7m for the period 2013-2017. In late 2016, my Department secured additional funding to ensure that all 13 existing ABC sites remained in contract to the end of December 2017. As at December 2017, the total funding provided to the ABC Programme was 32.76 million (rounded). Of this, DCYA provided 17.91m and Atlantic provided 14.85m.
With the closure of The Atlantic Philanthropies operations in Ireland, DCYA is now the sole funder of the ABC Programme. In last years budget, funding was secured to maintain the existing ABC Programme up to the end of 2018.
In November 2017, my Department initiated a process, in consultation with key ABC Programme stakeholders, to consider options for sustaining the work of the ABC Programme within a new vision for a community based prevention and early intervention programme from 2019 and beyond. Following the consultations with Tusla, and other key stakeholders, including representatives of the ABC Programme managers, the decision was taken to transfer the current ABC Programme to Tusla, from September 2018. My Department is working to ensure that we take full account of the learning from all the interventions across the 13 ABC sites, and the national evaluation, in order to inform the delivery of prevention and early intervention initiatives, and to achieve our shared goal of improving the lives of children and families throughout Ireland.
A working group has been established to identify how the existing ABC Programme will transition into a new national structure that can build on the achievements to date and strengthen a future community based programme's focus on addressing child poverty and measurably improving specific outcomes for children and young people.
The transition to Tusla will include the alignment of the programme with the agencys Prevention, Partnership and Family Support (PPFS) Programme, reinforcement and enhancement of Tusla's Prevention and Early Intervention work throughout Ireland, benefitting all communities, as well as create greater opportunities for mainstreaming effective and innovative programmes and interventions. A budget of 9.5m has been secured by my Department to continue the delivery of Tusla's PPFS programme, including the ABC Programme in 2019.
982. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the evaluation of the ABC programme. [54351/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra983. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to publish a summary of the data collected as part of the evaluation of the ABC programme to date. [54352/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra984. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the nature of data and factors being studied as part of the ABC programme evaluation process. [54353/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 982 to 984, inclusive, together.
The ABC Programme was established in 2013 in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to adopt an area-based approach to tackling child poverty. It was designed as a time-bound, co-funding agreement led by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) in conjunction with The Atlantic Philanthropies (Atlantic), originally in the amount of €29.7m for the period 2013-2017. Additional funding was secured by DCYA to extend the programme in 2018.The ABC Programme is being delivered in 13 areas of disadvantage in Ireland, led by local consortia who co-ordinate the planning and delivery of programmes and services in their area. In each ABC area, a lead agency oversees the programme at a local level.
The aim of the ABC Programme was to test and evaluate prevention and early intervention approaches to improve outcomes for children and families in areas of disadvantage.
A national evaluation of the ABC Programme was undertaken by the Centre for Effective Services (CES). Data was collected locally, at the area-level in order to assess the effectiveness of the totality of the investment with regard to the main outcomes the programme aimed to address: Improved child health and development; Improved children’s learning and Improved parenting. The evaluation also looked at the impact of the ABC Programme on local service delivery, and at the costs associated with the delivery of the programme.
Overall, the national evaluation found evidence that the ABC Programme made a positive contribution to:
1. Improved outcomes for children and families
2. Changes for practitioners and service managers participating in the Programme
3. Changes to service planning and delivery.
A range of qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analysed for the purposes of evaluation. These included outcomes data collected from the ABC areas, as well as data from surveys and interviews with practitioners, programme managers and other stakeholders. Given the local nature of data collected, there are currently no plans to publish the data sets.
The national evaluation was completed in October 2018 and a full report and summary report has been produced and is available on my Department’s website and the CES website. Local areas will also receive a poster and brochure set giving details of the outcome of the programme in their local area and the overall national findings.
My Department is working to ensure that we take full account of the learning from all the interventions across the 13 ABC sites, and from the national evaluation, in order to inform the delivery of prevention and early intervention initiatives and to achieve our shared goal of improving the lives of children and families throughout Ireland.
986. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the perceived breakdown of the complaints system in Tusla; if her attention has been further drawn to a person (details supplied) who requested an independent review of a complaint in January 2018; if the reason for the breakdown in the complaints system will be investigated; if the review process will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54371/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have not been informed of any perceived breakdown of the complaints system in Tusla, the Child and Family Agency's. As the Deputy's question refers to an operational matter for Tusla, I have requested Tusla to respond directly to the Deputy.
987. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the proportion of Tusla social workers that have received specialist training in identifying signs of child sexual abuse. [54447/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra988. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the proportion of Tusla social workers that have received specialist training in conducting forensic interviews in cases of child sexual abuse. [54448/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 987 and 988 together.
All social workers are trained in identifying signs of sexual abuse. This is undertaken as part of core social work training, which deals with signs and symptoms of abuse, including child sexual abuse.
Social workers are trained in the building of relationships, especially with parents and children in times of crisis. Tusla social workers have regular supervision of their cases with a team leader or Principal Social Worker, are provided with a Child Protection and Welfare practice handbook, and access to an internal hub holding information on child sexual abuse and a range of specialist articles on the subject.
When concerns of abuse are identified these are assessed and supports provided to families to deal with the issues arising and ensure the child is no longer harmed. In the case of child sexual abuse, allegations can arise directly and a process of ongoing protection, support and therapy is required. Social workers will provide guidance and referral to specialist services as required. In other cases, where the initial concern is of neglect or other abuse, children may subsequently make disclosures of sexual abuse when they trust the adults looking after them.
I am advised by Tusla that specialist training in sexual abuse is organised on the basis of client need and social work role, and that many social workers who have developed an expertise in this area are working throughout the service.
Access to specialist social work, psychological and child psychiatric consultation is also available through dedicated services such as St. Clare's and St. Louise's based in Temple Street Children's Hospital and Crumlin Children's Hospital.
The development of specialist social work services has changed over the past number of years, with a move from verification of allegations to the provision of support and therapy. Where an allegation of sexual abuse is made, social workers notify An Garda Síochana (AGS) and strategy meetings, as set out in Children First, form an important link in the investigation of a potential crime by AGS and an assessment of a child's need for protection and support by Tusla.
I have been informed that at present, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has 12 trained Specialist Interviewers to join with a the AGS when they are interviewing a child forensic purposes with a view to undertaking a criminal prosecution. Tusla and An Garda Síochána have agreed a joint approach to managing and coordinating joint training in child protection. The approach involves the establishment of a Joint Training Oversight Committee, involving members of the Joint Working Project Team, Tusla Workforce Learning Development and Templemore Garda College.
Tusla is also working in partnership with An Garda Siochana to review the training for social workers of Specialist Interviewers to conduct interviews under the Joint Specialist Interview process under Section 16(1)(b) of the Criminal Evidence Act 1992. This is to ensure that information obtained during the interview will be available to be used subsequently to formulate safety and protection plans and formulate therapeutic interventions.
I have also established an interdepartmental group to put in place arrangements for cross-agency centres to support children and families who have suffered from child sexual abuse.
‘One House' centres are intended to provide services for children and adolescents where there is a concern that sexual abuse may have occurred. The intention is that the centres will support children who have suffered sexual abuse while accessing care or health services, and engaging with the criminal justice system. The 'One House' will bring together the forensic, protection, health, therapeutic and policing services in a child centred way in order to minimise as far as possible any additional trauma for the child and their family. The centres should improve the efficiency and effectiveness of child sexual abuse services and develop specialist expertise, skills and knowledge in this complex area for the benefit of children who have suffered from sexual abuse.
989. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the process for establishing a family resource centre. [54449/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Family Resource Centre Programme is administered by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. At present there are 120 Family Resource Centres (FRCs) throughout the country. Funding to the Family Resource Centre Programme increased substantially in 2018. This allowed for the inclusion of 11 newly established Family Resource Centres within the Programme last year, as well as an increase in annual funding to existing FRCs.
The process for establishing a Family Resource Centre, under the Family Resource Centre Programme, is an operational matter. I have requested Tusla to respond directly to the Deputy.
990. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the budget and spend in her Department for marketing, media and social media in each of the years 2016 to 2018; the projected spend for 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54458/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested in respect of the expenditure incurred by my Department on marketing, media and social media in the years 2016, 2017 and 2018 are set out in the following table:
|
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
|
|
Marketing |
€0 |
€67,618 |
€12,236 |
|
Media |
€50,523 |
€196,658 |
€194,062 |
|
Social Media |
€0 |
€29,722 |
€78 |
The Deputy might note that the increase in spending on marketing and media from 2016 to 2017 arose directly from my Department’s campaign to promote more affordable and accessible childcare for families. The measures were introduced in September 2017 and have been a considerable success, with over 60,000 children to date having benefited from them, 25,000 children from the universal and 36,000 children on the targeted. In 2018, a nationwide media campaign seeking expressions of interest in a Collaborative Forum of former residents of the Mother and Baby Homes and those with comparable experience in a County Home account for the majority of expenditure. I opened the inaugural meeting of the Collaborative Forum to facilitate dialogue and action on issues of concern to former residents of Mother and Baby Homes on 26 July 2018. The purpose of the Collaborative Forum is to build upon the process of engagement and consultation with former residents commenced through the facilitated meetings in 2017.
The Deputy might note that my Department does not have a dedicated budget for marketing and media purposes. In the circumstances, it is not possible to identify the projected spend for 2019 as such costs are only incurred when considered necessary and appropriate.
991. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of staff in her Department employed to work on marketing, media and social media in 2018. [54475/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of my appointed Special Advisors has special responsibility for communications.
In 2018 there were three civil servants in my Department who serviced the day-to-day press office requirements of my Department. The staff in question are remunerated at HEO, EO and CO level.
A dedicated communications specialist is assigned to the Early Years Unit of the Department to support the roll out of specific Early Years projects and this work continued in 2018.
