Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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60. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which she remains satisfied that adequate protection is in place to ensure early reporting and prompt action in cases of suspected child abuse, whether in State institutions, foster care or in the home; the number of outstanding cases awaiting attention; the average timescale for investigating such issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18843/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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The safety of all children, and particularly those living in State care, is a key priority for me. On December 11 2017, I commenced the remaining provisions of the Children First Act, 2015. This saw the introduction of mandatory reporting of child protection concerns. The Children First Act 2015 places a statutory obligation on persons, who have been identified by virtue of their position, training, qualifications and experience, to make reports of concerns of harm, above a defined threshold, to Tusla, The Child and Family Agency. All institutions providing services to children  who are not in the company of their parents  are now legislatively bound to undertake a risk assessment which should inform their Child Safeguarding Statement.

The additional resources secured for Tusla in 2018 will assist in meeting key priorities. The additional investment allows Tusla to recruit a range of additional staff to respond to areas of key  risk, and to meet increased demand for services. The Deputy will be aware that referrals to Tusla are increasing on a year on year basis, and I anticipate there may be a  further  increase in referrals following the introduction of mandatory reporting. This increase in funding is also enabling the further management of unallocated cases. To improve the overall functioning of Child Protection Teams, Tusla is in the process of recruiting more administrative staff as well as social work practitioners.

Tusla has  introduced an international evidenced practice methodology called “Signs of Safety” which should help to improve the depth and quality of the screening and assessments of referrals. 

The first consideration when receiving a referral is the immediate safety of the child. All referrals to the Social Work Service of Children and Family Services are screened on the day they are received irrespective of the source.

The criteria for a member of the public or a mandated person to consider a referral of a child protection or welfare concern is also detailed in Children First National Guidance and in Tusla's Children First Guide for the Reporting of Child Welfare and Protection Concerns. 

Cases awaiting allocation fell by almost 17% to 4,756 compared to the same time period as last year.

Please find outlined in the following tables a breakdown of cases awaiting allocation by priority level and time waiting. These figures are published on the Tusla website on a quarterly basis.

Cases Awaiting Allocation by Priority Level and Waiting Time

*Based on incomplete returns (15/17 areas)

*Based on incomplete returns (15/17 areas)

*Based on incomplete returns (15/17 areas)