Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

285. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the cost of allocating all 7,199 child abuse referrals cases which were not allocated a social worker in August 2015 and of which 1,275 were deemed high priority to a social worker in 2016; and the number of child abuse referrals that will be waiting less than three months to be allocated a social worker as a result of the bbudget 2016 increase to Túsla-Child and Family Agency. [4216/16]

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

At the end of November 2015, the Child and Family Agency, Tusla, reported there were 19,847 children (open cases) who had an allocated social worker dealing with issues of assessment, child protection, and children in care. There were a further 6,382 children (open cases) who had been assessed as needing a dedicated social worker and were waiting for one to be allocated. Some of these cases may have had an allocated social worker, but due to a social worker leaving, they are reclassified as awaiting a social worker. This Department continues to monitor the number of cases that are reported as awaiting the allocation of a social worker.

Tusla has implemented a national caseload management system which allows social work team leaders and principals to monitor caseloads in terms of both number and complexity. It is recognised that, from time to time, individual cases can occupy a disproportionate amount of resources. The caseload management system gives managers a clearer insight into the pressures on staff.

A reduction in the number of cases awaiting allocation remains a top priority in 2016 for both the Department and Tusla. In Tusla’s 2016 Budget submission, a requirement for an increase in overall resources over a three year period (2016-2018) to address unallocated cases was identified. The additional funding of €38 million which has been secured for Tusla in 2016 will provide increased resources to meet identified risks and service demands. This included specific funding of €6.1 million which will enable a significant reduction in the number of cases awaiting allocation.

It is also important to recognise that the recruitment of additional social workers will be a key dependency in relation to reducing the number of such cases. However, a whole system approach will be required to address this issue. This includes the recruitment of other members of the multi-disciplinary teams that contribute to the delivery of an effective child protection and welfare service, for example family support workers, social care workers, link workers, access staff and management and administrative support. In 2016, Tusla is aiming to achieve a significant reduction in cases awaiting allocation by year end with a particular focus on cases classified as being high priority. At present, it is not possible to gauge the exact number of referrals that will be waiting less than three months to be allocated to a social worker but my Department will closely monitor progress made by Tusla throughout the year.