Written answers

Thursday, 3 December 2020

Department of Children and Youth Affairs

Child Protection

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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136. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the degree to which his Department has been alerted to increased numbers of children at risk during the Covid-19 restrictions; if he has been in a position to actively respond to the trends in this area; the specific actions involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40657/20]

Photo of Roderic O'GormanRoderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I thank the Deputy for his question.

My Department and Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, closely monitor child protection and welfare referrals trends.

When Covid-19 restrictions were first introduced, with schools closing on 12 March 2020, there was an initial decrease in referrals to child protection and welfare services, from an average of 1,504 per week, to 968 per week for the initial four week period. Following a local and national media campaign referrals increased, with Tusla now receiving approximately, 1,300 referrals per week.

Tusla receives referrals from the community, Gardaí, HSE staff, hospitals, teachers and other mandated reporters. All referrals are screened by the duty social worker on receipt, and the immediate safety of the child is considered throughout the referral process. Protective action is taken if and when required.

The protection of children and young people continues to be Tusla’s priority with all urgent cases, and children on the Child Protection Notification System receiving social work attention. The monitoring of safety plans has been ongoing and, when appropriate and safe to do so, home visits have been carried out. Where harm is identified children have continued to benefit from case conferencing to provide additional supports, engage networks and work to provide safety for children. Where necessary, Tusla has received children into care under a Court Order or with the voluntary agreement of their parent.

As always, I would encourage anyone with a concern about the wellbeing or safety of a child to contact the local duty social work office where the child resides. Details are available on the Tusla website at www.tusla.ie or through the online portal at portal.tusla.ie.

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