Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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121. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which support continues to be made available to children deemed to be at risk, with particular emphasis on identification of such children and putting the necessary support services in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21030/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Tusla, the Child and Family Agency holds the statutory responsibility for child welfare and protection, and is the appropriate body to receive reports of concerns relating to children at risk.

Each referral received by the Agency is assessed and dealt with on an individual basis by the relevant social work team. Preliminary screening is aimed at establishing the appropriateness of the referral to Tusla services and if necessary is followed by an initial assessment of the concern to determine the best course of action for the child and their family. At any stage, if a determination is made that there is abuse, whether physical, emotional, sexual or neglect, from which there is an ongoing risk of significant harm, the child protection pathway is followed. This may lead to the child being placed on the child protection notification system (CPNS).

In accordance with Children First National Guidance and the Agency's standard business processes, a child's name is placed on the Child Protection Notification System (CPNS) in the following circumstances:

- Following the child protection conference, where the end decision is that a child protection plan is required to ensure that the necessary safeguards are in place;

- Where a review child protection conference - held at a minimum of 6 monthly intervals - confirms that the child remains at ongoing risk of significant harm necessitating a child protection plan.

The protection plan for a child can involve a range of interventions and services provided by Tusla directly, through commissioned services or provided by other State bodies, including mental health services for the child and parent, family therapy, courses to support parenting skills, addiction services and other family supports. A child protection conference is a interagency meeting that will draw on the expertise of relevant professionals and persons involved in the child's care, and, where possible, seek the views of the child. Every effort is made to minimise the disruption to the life of the child in their community. However, if a protection plan is reviewed and it is found that it is not being effective in keeping a child safe, then the option to take the child into care is given further consideration.