Shortcomings in the screening of cases put children at risk of neglect

Children could have been left at risk of neglect and physical abuse because of shortcomings in how cases were screened, according to an inspection report by the health watchdog, Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa).

The inspection of the child protection and welfare service in Carlow/Kilkenny/South Tipperary found that, in a review of 133 cases, 27 were escalated to area management by inspectors, including three cases where allegations of physical abuse had not been identified at the time the referral was received.

According to the inspection report: “For these children, there wasn’t an immediate response and it took between 10 days and 11 months for them to be seen.”