Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I forgot to make a point about something which was raised at last week’s meeting and has also been raised with me by parents. At times, parents who, at meetings with the CDNT, highlight issues they have and difficulties they are experiencing in the family feel there is a threat that they might be referred to Tusla. I know Tusla provides fantastic support to families but families see Tusla as a body that may take their children away from them. They also feel they are being judged as being incapable of parenting or not parenting correctly. While it is not across the board, it has happened on occasion that someone in a CDNT will tell parents that it may be necessary to refer them to Tusla for something. Parents are almost afraid to open up and share the problems they are experiencing and for which they need support. I have asked parents to stop being afraid of being referred to Tusla because it can provide them with supports, as well as supports from the CDNT. However, it should not be used in that context.