Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

33. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to address concerns over inadequate case management by social worker services of adult disclosure cases and the lack of an overarching strategy for dealing with adult disclosure cases by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. [23057/16]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Adult disclosure, or retrospective cases, are where an adult comes forward and makes a complaint that he or she was abused as a child. The vast majority of such complaints relate to sexual abuse. The Gardaí are always informed of these complaints and their role is to carry out a criminal investigation into the complaint. Tusla's job is to try and establish if the alleged abuser poses a risk of abuse to children currently, and if so, to put in place protective measures in relation to identified children. The sharing of information by Tusla with third parties must follow fair procedure with the exception of cases where there is an immediate risk to children.

In terms of overall strategy, retrospective allegations are dealt with by Tusla under its national policy for handling allegations of abuse, "Policy and Procedures for Responding to Allegations of Child Abuse and Neglect", which has been in place since 2014. I am aware of the complexities of such cases and raised this issue at my meeting with the Chair of the Board and the CEO of Tusla in June. I emphasised the importance of dealing with cases as soon as possible, while recognising the practical difficulties that can often arise in relation to alleged events of many years ago. I have asked to meet with senior officials in Tusla next week to be updated on the steps they are taking to deal nationally with these cases, and on cases currently before the Courts which may impact on Tusla's practice in these matters.

Tusla's policy is informed by both child protection principles and fair procedures, and sets out the specific steps for Tusla social workers to take in carrying out a risk assessment of an adult where an allegation of abuse has been made against them. As Tusla is not a policing body it does not have such powers of investigation. Tusla cannot compel co-operation with individuals against whom an allegation has been made, or indeed the person making the allegation, and must proceed on the basis of fair procedure and due process. As such, Tusla works closely with the Gardaí in such cases.

Tusla is undertaking a full review of all referrals of allegations of retrospective abuse. This review is looking at all referrals to establish their priority for action. I am expecting this review to conclude later in the year and I have requested Tusla to keep me up to date on its progress and on any emerging issues of concern. Tusla is also identifying specialist staff to undertake this work nationally.