Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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37. 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. [52439/18]

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 2019 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. 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 aims to provide a greater 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 Tusla Social Work 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 .

While the number of cases waiting allocation has risen by 13% compared to Q3 last year, the number of High Priority cases awaiting allocation fell by 14% to 829 at the end of Q3 2108. All cases waiting the allocation of a dedicated social worker are held on the social work duty team who review all cases regularly to identify any changes in a child's circumstances and who will respond accordingly.

The table below provides 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)