Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 March 2019
259. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of referrals made to Tusla across all abuse categories in each of the years 2011 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the procedures followed further to a referral to Tusla; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14301/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that, prior to the establishment of Tusla in 2014, the statutory function of child welfare and protection services rested with the Health Service Executive.
The table below refers to the number of referrals received across the four categories of abuse, for each of the years 2011-2018. The Deputy may wish to note that data for 2018 refers to Q1 and Q2 only as Q3 and Q4 data has not yet been validated. A breakdown by abuse category is not available for 2012.
|
Year |
Physical Abuse |
Emotional Abuse |
Sexual Abuse |
Neglect |
Total |
|
2011 |
3,033 |
4,001 |
3,326 |
5,458 |
15,818 |
|
2012 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
19,044 |
|
2013 |
4,330 |
5,271 |
3,385 |
6,421 |
19,407 |
|
2014 |
4,066 |
6,233 |
3,114 |
5,263 |
18,676 |
|
2015 |
3,991 |
6,535 |
2,940 |
4,769 |
18,235 |
|
2016 |
4,450 |
6,871 |
3,042 |
4,724 |
19,087 |
|
2017 |
4,942 |
7,615 |
3,170 |
4,810 |
20,537 |
|
2018 (Q1+Q2) |
3,312 |
4,491 |
1,649 |
2,567 |
12,019 |
All referrals are screened at the point of receipt. Referrals that meet the threshold undergo a preliminary enquiry, with children who may have experienced abuse receiving an initial assessment. Referrals concerning welfare issues are dealt with by Tusla or other family support services, as appropriate. Where there is an ongoing risk of harm then the child's situation will be assessed by a social worker, and if necessary, a safety plan put in place. Children found to be at risk of significant harm may, following a Child Protection Case Conference, be listed as active on the Child Protection Notification System. Access to this system is provided by Tusla to AGS and medical professionals.
