Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020
463. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration his plans to co-ordinate support services in respect of children at risk in order to ensure an adequate and readily available services in all instances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31666/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThank you Deputy for your question. Proper coordination of service provision to children at risk is a core component of the response to risk mitigation and care for these children. The Child and Family Agency Tusla plays a significant role in the coordination of services.
In 2017 Tusla adopted the national approach to practice, Signs of Safety, which applies to intra-familial child protection and welfare cases whereby Tusla work closely with parents and extended family, around the alleged risk and harm posed to children. Safety Plans are formulated with parents, children and the safety network around them, to mitigate such risk and harm. The Signs of Safety approach is relationship based with a focus on safety and is supported by evidence in child protection practice.
The Prevention, Partnership and Family Support (PPFS) is another programme that Tusla developed to ensure coordinated supports at a preventive level. The aim of the programme is to prevent risks to children and young people arising or escalating by enabling Tusla and partner organisations to engage effectively at an early stage.
Within the PPFS programme Tusla has developed the Meitheal approach to help children where they may need the support of more than one service. Meitheal is a case co-ordination process which families may agree to agencies sharing information in order to provide a better coordinated service.
Tusla social workers work with their colleagues in the Tusla Education Support Services to align provision to maximise supports for children at risk of educational disadvantage.
Children First outlines the Joint Working Protocol between Tusla and An Garda Síochána. Each agency manages the responsibility within its brief and their joint efforts are designed to ensure that the protection and welfare of children receives priority attention. A Liaison Team oversees the interagency relationship between An Garda Síochána and Tusla, ensuring communication is maintained and that each reported child protection and welfare concern receives an appropriate response.
As a critical service provider of essential frontline services for children and families, Tusla has been focused on ensuring continuity of supports and services while also balancing the needs and best interests of the child with public health advice to keep children, families and frontline staff as safe as possible during the pandemic. As the current public health crisis evolves, Tusla will continue to provide a service.
