Under-staffing stops children getting key help

The independent chairwoman of the HSE’s child deaths in care review has warned below-requirement social worker levels are preventing vulnerable people from accessing potentially life-saving help.

Trinity College associate professor in social work and social policy Helen Buckley said ongoing under-staffing of the vital service must be addressed if the concerns are to be resolved.

Speaking to reporters after the publication of the latest HSE National Review Panel reports, Dr Buckley said low staffing levels outlined in the documents “would have affected early intervention” in ultimately tragic cases.