Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 October 2024
310. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which his Department continues to receive updates in respect of children at risk and act upon same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43874/24]
View answer313. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is satisfied that adequate support exists for all children insofar as is possible as regards those who might be subjected to a threat from any quarter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43878/24]
View answer314. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which services affecting the welfare and wellbeing of children continue to be readily and effectively available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43879/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 310, 313 and 314 together.
As the Deputy is aware, statutory and operational responsibility for the delivery of child protection and welfare services is a matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Tusla and An Garda Síochána are the two agencies in the state with statutory responsibility for assessing (Tusla) and investigating (An Garda Síochána) allegations of child abuse and promoting the safety and welfare of children.
Tusla has a statutory duty obligation under the Child Care Act 1991 to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. In doing so, it relies heavily on individuals reporting concerns about children, in accordance with Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017 and the Children First Act 2015.
The Children First Act 2015 places a legal obligation on certain people, many of whom are professionals, to report child protection concerns at or above a threshold to Tusla. These mandated persons must also assist Tusla, on request, in its assessment of child protection concerns about children reported to Tusla.
Following receipt of reports, Tusla has the statutory responsibility to assess all reports of child welfare/protection concerns. Tusla social workers carry out assessments in line with Tusla Standard Business Process an integrated child welfare and protection system to manage cases from receipt of referral to outcome of assessments/ case closures.
All referrals received by Tusla are screened within 24 hours of receipt of referral and assessments are made to determine next steps and safety of children remains of paramount concern throughout the process. If children are deemed to be at immediate risk measures are taken immediately to safeguard children, this can include applications to court for care proceedings etc.
Tusla work with many different services with children who come to the attention of the agency and this can include, CAMHS, Mental health services, disability services etc. Interagency co-operation plays a significant role in safeguarding children who are open to Tusla.
Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children sets out the steps which should be taken to ensure that children and young people are protected from harm. This also outlines the roles of the main statutory bodies involved in child welfare and protection: Tusla - Child and Family Agency, and An Garda Síochána. The guidance is just one of the resources available to assist with child protection and Tusla have a number of additional child protection and safeguarding information resources.
