Tusla completes review resulting from lost case files at Portlaoise office

Tusla has confirmed that it has now completed a review of all adult retrospective cases arising out of the mislaying of files in its Portlaoise office.

However, the Child and Family Agency said it was too early to draw any conclusions as to whether or not anyone was subjected to abuse as a result of the files having lain undetected for a number of years.

Some 743 case files were discovered at the end of April by a recently appointed principal social worker in Tusla’s Portlaoise office, in addition to 822 files where gardaí had made referrals to either Tusla or to the HSE.

It then emerged in May that, following an emergency review by the Child and Family Agency of the case files, at least 127 children had been identified as requiring “urgent attention”.

Some of the files dated back as far as 1998 and Fred McBride, Tusla chief operating officer, had said: “A clear weakness identified in the Laois/Offaly area has been that relating to filing and records management.”

Now Tusla has confirmed that a review of all adult retrospective cases has been completed and that an experienced team is ensuring appropriate follow-up action is taken.

On the question of whether the reviews had determined if anyone had suffered abuse or neglect as an indirect result of the files having been mislaid, a Tusla spokesperson said: “In relation to the adult retrospective cases, detailed assessment, investigation and review, which are being carried out as part of the follow up, will be required before any conclusions can be drawn.”

Tusla said the Midlands area is engaged in a rapid improvement programme, which is being closely monitored by the Tusla chief of operations.

As part of that programme, all child protection and welfare cases from the backlog waiting list in Laois/Offaly have now been allocated a social worker.

Staff have undertaken workshops on implementing the rapid improvement plan and PCs and laptops are being provided to all social work staff, with Tusla stating this would enhance the timely intake, screening, assessment and transfer of cases.

The Tusla spokesperson said: “The area manager is in the process of developing a dedicated team for assessment of adult retrospective abuse allegations which will enhance the standardisation and quality of assessments in this complex area of work.

“Additional social work capacity has been recruited to ensure that cases are progressed in a timely manner. Three whole-time-equivalent social workers have been assigned to the files. They are supported by other social workers in the area.”

A training needs analysis is also being undertaken to identify and address key areas of professional practice and management, and the screening process for all new referrals has been streamlined and initial assessments have been standardised in line with the standard business process.