Ombudsman attacks over child protection ‘failures’

THE Government is still failing to implement policies to protect children at risk which were adopted over a decade ago, an investigation by the Children’s Ombudsman has found.

Ombudsman Emily Logan revealed there was a severe shortage of social workers and uncovered evidence of an unresolved industrial dispute dating back to 2002.

Among other concerns raised by the ombudsman’s first investigative report is variable child protection practice by state agencies, a lack of internal and external scrutiny, and a failure of inter-agency collaboration on the issue.

A key criticism was that most parts of the country did not have 24-hour access to the Child Protection Notification Service where details of those at risk are maintained.

The investigation focused on the HSE and Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs approach, concluding that “some of the problems indicate a need for a fundamental change in culture and attitude towards child protection generally”.

In total, 11 adverse findings are made against the HSE and the office, some of which concerning transparency and a failure to implement the Children First guidelines amounted to “unsound administration”.

That these issues have not been fully addressed was in contravention of the Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children, produced by the Government in 1999.

Ms Logan said crucial momentum in the implementation of the Children First Guidelines was lost with the establishment of the HSE.

She added: “Much needs to be done to protect and promote children’s rights and welfare. This is not simply a matter of resources.”