CARI calls on govt to review child protection laws

A leading child sex abuse charity today urged the Government to overhaul laws protecting children as calls to its helpline continue to surge.

CARI (Children At Risk in Ireland) said its counsellors dealt with 1,254 telephone callers last year – up 10% on the previous year.

The organisation insists the increasing complexity and dangers in the fight against child sexual abuse underlined the need for legal reform.

It is demanding the new coalition government immediately implement 62 recommendations made last year by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Child Protection.

“It is imperative that this new government must be proactive, rather than reactive,” said CARI chief executive officer Mary Flaherty.

“At all costs we must avoid a repeat of the legal and constitutional crisis of 2006.”

Launching its annual report for last year, the charity called for a new Oireachtas standing committee on children.

It also wants to see all the laws relating to sexual crimes against children being brought together under one consolidation bill.

Majella Ryan, CARI’s national clinical director, warned that a joined-up approach was needed to provide quick help to victims when it is needed.

“Children and families are presenting with ever increasing complex issues including sexually harmful behaviour, suicidal ideation and self harming,” she said.

“It is vital that the Government ensure that resources are made available to all those working with these children and families, ensuring a prompt inter-agency response to the needs of these very vulnerable groups.”