Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason for the delay in publishing the results of the audit produced on foot of the recommendations in the report on the Roscommon childcare case; the reason the results of this audit, produced on foot of an inquiry, are to be amalgamated with two further audits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46572/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As I indicated recently in my written response to the Joint Committee for Health and Children, the audit report is being submitted this week to the HSE’s National Director for Children and Family Services, Mr. Gordon Jeyes. It is planned to publish the report by the end of the year. There is no delay in publishing the report, which is a composite work covering three audits in Roscommon, Waterford and Dublin. A decision was taken within the HSE to produce this composite report as the best means of disseminating the learning from the three projects. The report will be based on a sample of 30 cases examined from each of the three areas subject to audit.

I previously advised the Deputy (Parliamentary Question Replies 18226/11, 32331/11, 15172/12) that an external consultant conducted a Review of Practice and Audit of the Management of Cases of Neglect in Roscommon, which highlighted both strengths and challenges. Positive outcomes included:

- Well established multi-disciplinary arrangements and organisational structures which facilitated teamwork and communication;

- Initial assessments routinely completed;

- An emphasis on direct work with children and young persons and commitment to listening to children and ensuring their voices were heard.

The Review found that in a majority of the cases, staff and managers displayed a commitment to early assessment of need and provided a range of supports to assist children and families, resulting in improved parenting capacity and better outcomes for children. The Review concluded that the challenges involved are similar throughout Ireland and the United Kingdom including the need for more authoritative social work, senior managers reviewing and auditing files, national supervision policy implementation and establishing thresholds for legal intervention in cases. A Review of Progress was undertaken after three months, and again this had many positive outcomes. Achievements included:

- The recommendations of the Inquiry Report and the Review of Practice and Management of Neglect are being implemented via an Interdisciplinary Child Care Steering group.

- A monthly child care meeting chaired by the General Manager considers specific developments within the Child Care Service, including budgetary and resourcing issues, waiting lists and individual cases which require to be notified to senior management.

- The streamlining of Family Support Services to include a single point of entry and realignment across new social work boundaries.