Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

509. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on reports that Tusla has moved the threshold for the protection and welfare of children from adequate care and protection to children being at risk of significant harm, and that harm is now being measured on whether the impact on the child is severe; if these changes have been introduced in view of the fact that Ireland has approximately half the number of social workers per capita when compared to neighbouring countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1771/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

While the Child and Family Agency is working to standardise thresholds for social workers assessments of children to determine their risk, it is not accurate to say that the threshold for the protection and welfare of children has moved from adequate care and protection of children to children at risk of significant harm.

Social workers use national prioritisation criteria following assessment which inform case management decisions. It is important to state that assessment is a dynamic process and children's prioritisation ratings can change.

The main principle underlying the Child and Family Agency's prioritisation criteria is that children at greatest risk of harm are given the highest priority. This is overseen by the principal social worker in each area who ensures that all cases are reviewed regularly both on an individual basis in supervision with social work teams and on a service wide basis every month.

The turnover of social workers in the Agency's first year of operation (2014) was 6.7% which compares favourably with other countries. Since its establishment, the Agency has recruited 155 social workers and a further 193 posts are currently at various stages of recruitment. Also, a pilot Maternity Leave scheme has been introduced whereby temporary staff can be offered a 12 month contract to cover maternity leave. In addition and in recognition of the challenging nature of child welfare and protection work, new entrants and graduates have a reduced workload for their first year, with opportunities for regular supervision with experienced practitioners.

The Agency has a funding provision of €643 million in 2015 including over €12 million in capital funding. This represents an increase of €34 million over 2014 and will assist the Agency in providing a timely and responsive service to children and families in need.