Vulnerable children put ‘needlessly at risk’

Nine out of every 10 child abuse and child welfare referrals to social services are failing to meet strict government assessment targets in an area that has seen two children die in recent months.

A major inspection report by the Health Information Quality Authority (Hiqa) has warned the situation, in Cork’s North Lee area, is putting vulnerable children needlessly at risk.

The detailed document said despite the fact the 2011 Children First guidelines insist all new cases must undergo an initial check within 20 days, child abuse and welfare cases are instead witnessing months of “long delays”.