Principals seek clearer child neglect guidelines

SCHOOL principals have called for clearer guidelines and faster responses from the Health Service Executive on reporting of suspected child neglect.

At its 2009 conference, the Irish Primary Principals Network (IPPN) called for proper follow-up by social workers and the HSE to such notifications when they are made, as principals say they have raised suspicions of neglect in the past and seen no action being taken. A survey of its members revealed that 90% of them want reporting of suspected neglect, physical or sexual abuse made mandatory.

IPPN president Pat Goff said that, if one good thing comes of the Roscommon case, it would be that revised reporting guidelines give a clear definition of neglect that means a school can be sure when they must report suspicions to the health services.