Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 50: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children in care on 1 June 2012; the type of care setting they were in and the Health Service Executive area they were in; the number of children on that date who were known to the HSE child and family social workers but not in care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33329/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I have been advised by the HSE that at the end of May 2012, there were 6,282 children in care. The following is a breakdown by HSE Area and care settings

In relation to the number of children known to the HSE and social workers but not in care, I have been advised by the HSE that there were approximately 25,000 cases open to child welfare and protection services at the end of April 2011. All reports to child protection services are screened and an initial assessment is undertaken to determine whether a further more comprehensive assessment may be required and to enable a plan for continued intervention or support to be put in place. In 2010, there were 29,277 child protection reports received 16,452 of which related to welfare concerns. The remaining 12,825 related to neglect (4,755), sexual abuse (2,962) physical abuse (2,608), emotional abuse (2,500) and abuse was confirmed in 1,566 of these cases.