Written answers

Wednesday, 12 February 2014

Department of Children and Youth Affairs

Child Protection

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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27. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the discussions she has had with other Departments on foot of the publication of the audit report on neglect cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6495/14]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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An audit report on neglect cases in Roscommon, Waterford and Dublin South East, 'A Review of Practice and Audit of the Management of Cases of Neglect', was published in June 2013 by the HSE. The audit was conducted on foot of an examination of the management of systematic and problematic neglect in a family known to the HSE Child Protection Services. Concerns had been raised that this might not have been an isolated case and that there might be more widespread practice and governance issues in the management of cases of neglect throughout the country.

Follow-up work arising from the findings of the audit report is being led by the new Child and Family Agency, which was established on 1 January, 2014. The Agency brings together over 4,000 staff previously employed by the HSE, the National Educational Welfare Board and the Family Support Agency. The bringing together, for the first time, under one roof of social work, family support, education welfare and social care, working in partnership with non-statutory and State agencies will allow for a dedicated focus on improving the well-being and outcomes for every child who needs support. The context within which our child welfare and protection services operate today is ever more challenging. Referrals increased by nearly one third to over 40,000 referrals in 2012. The area of neglect is particularly worrying and has seen a marked increase in referrals.

A number of key initiatives have been taken arising from the audit report as follows:

- Audits of practice standards, including in the area of neglect have been carried out;

- Briefing and training days have been held for professional staff to assist in identifying and responding to neglect cases;

- A national review panel has been established, with an independent chair, to undertake impartial serious case reviews in cases where concerns have been raised. These reports are published and the learning from them is systematically disseminated to staff.
With regard to the issue of inter-agency work a number of key documents are in place and will underpin the approach of the Agency to this key area including:
- "Joint Protocol for Inter-Agency collaboration between the Child and Family Agency and An Garda Síochána";

- "Joint protocol for Inter-Agency collaboration between the Child and Family Agency and the HSE"; and

- "Memorandum of Understanding: Strategic Agreement between the Child and Family Agency and the HSE".
My Department is taking a lead role in the cross-sectoral implementation of Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children [2011]. A Children First Implementation Inter-Departmental Group has been established involving key Government Departments. This Group is a forum at which cross-sectoral or cross-departmental issues arising from the audit report can be addressed. The purpose of the Group is to promote the importance of Children First compliance across Government and to ensure consistency of approach. In July 2013 the Government approved the publication of each Departmental Children First Sectoral Implementation Plan on the relevant Department websites. A key priority of the Group is the development of appropriate reporting mechanisms in respect of the implementation of Children First within each sector and the assurance arrangements to monitor implementation and compliance.

To deliver on our aspiration to do better for children at risk and families in crisis including those affected by neglect, the Agency will have a broader focus than child protection. Prevention, early intervention, family support and therapeutic and care interventions are all key to the provision of integrated multi-disciplinary services for children and families in need. This will be an area of particular focus and attention for the new Agency. We will adopt a cross-Government and inter-agency approach to ensuring that we deliver a timely, comprehensive and integrated service to vulnerable children and families. This will require the support and input of various departments and agencies to ensure that vulnerable children and families can access necessary services.

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