Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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547. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children at risk cases which Tusla has categorised as founded and unfounded for each of the past 12 months in tabular form; and if this information is not available, the reason these figures are not recorded. [13794/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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Referrals to Tusla's Child Protection and Welfare services are categorised as either Welfare or Protection referrals. Table 1 provides a breakdown of referrals by type from Q1 2016 to Q3 2017. Data is provided quarterly in arrears. The figures in Table 1 are published in Tusla's Q4 report for 2017.

Table 1.

When a referral is received, a preliminary enquiry is carried out. This can include verifying the details provided by the referrer, the details of the child, and establishing whether the child has been referred to social services previously. The information is weighed to determine whether it meets the threshold for further assessment.

If the threshold is met, the referral may proceed to an initial assessment by an allocated child protection social worker. An initial assessment involves meeting with the child and family, and information is gathered on the needs and risks relating to the child, to determine what actions can be taken to provide the best outcome for the child.

Table 2 outlines the number of referrals where a preliminary enquiry proceeded to initial assessment. Figures are provided quarterly in arrears, and subject to ongoing validation.

Following the initial assessment the case may be determined to need further action from a child protection service, but may be referred to family support or other appropriate services. Where the assessment identifies a child protection need the social worker will continue working with the child and family to support a safe outcome for the child.

Summary data from Tusla for Q4 2017 reported outcomes following an initial assessment as 49% no further action from child protection, 11% child protection response, 24% further child protection assessment, 2% admission to care and 24% child welfare/family conference action.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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548. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of retrospective reports of child sexual violence Tusla has categorised as founded and unfounded for each of the past 12 months in tabular form; and if this information is not available, the reason these figures are not recorded. [13795/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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A historical or retrospective allegation is where an adult discloses abuse experienced in childhood. It is my understanding that the majority of these disclosures concern sexual abuse. This is a very complex and worrying situation.

It is important to note that all child protection referrals which allege current or past criminal activity are referred to An Garda Síochána. Tusla's focus is to assess retrospective or historical allegations to determine any indication of current risk to children. In cases of an urgent risk to a child, the disclosure is acted upon immediately.

In order to proceed with an assessment of current risk an adult may pose to children, Tusla is dependent on the person making an allegation engaging directly with them, and being prepared for their identity to be shared with the alleged abuser.

Tusla has a limited role where there is no evidence of a current risk to children. In relation to the adult making the disclosure of abuse, Tusla may assist them in accessing HSE counselling services.

Tusla publish their performance and activity data monthly, and quarterly in arrears.

Table 1 lays out the number of cases of retrospective abuse allocated and waiting allocation for January - December 2017. It should be noted that the December figure is a draft figure based on returns from 14.5 of 17 areas.