Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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275. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the therapeutic interventions available for children exhibiting sexually harmful behaviour; the steps she is taking to ensure there is no undue delay in the provision of therapeutic services in view of the risk these children may be to themselves and other children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39271/16]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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Tusla, the Child and Family Agency is currently leading a national, multi-agency process to implement a national service model for services for children who have been sexually abused and their families. This process includes working with An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive, the Children’s Hospital Group, the Probation Service and Children at Risk in Ireland (CARI) - a non-Governmental organisation. This approach is being informed by the recommendations from the final report of the Ferns 5 National Steering Committee for Sexual Abuse Services.

The establishment of multi-agency service provision for children and young people who exhibit sexually harmful behaviour was set out in Tusla’s 2016 Business Plan. A principal psychologist and a principal social worker have been recruited and the recruitment of a senior psychologist and a senior social worker is underway. Implementation teams are currently being established in the four regions. Further development of the Sexually Harmful Behaviour services which is being set up on a phased basis, will be planned for in the context of the 2017 Business Plan.