HSE failing children at risk

THE Health Service Executive is not responding “adequately” to children at risk of neglect or abuse, the head of advocacy at children’s charity Barnardos has said.

Norah Gibbons said it was very disappointing to see that more than 9,000 reports of abuse had not been assessed in 2008, according to the HSE’s own report – the Review of Adequacy of Child and Family Services.

Under Section Three of the Child Care Act 1991, the HSE has a duty to identify and assist children who are not receiving adequate care and protection.