Review finds major shortfalls with HSE child services

A review of the HSE's child and family services has reportedly found that hundreds of children at risk of abuse are not getting the help they need due to staff shortages and a lack of resources.

Reports this morning say many social work teams have reported long waiting lists for child abuse referrals as part of the review.

In north central Dublin, some children are waiting up to a year to be allocated a social worker, while in Co Kerry, some are waiting three-and-a-half years for services like psychiatric support.

The review has also found that a lack of staff and poorly developed services mean at-risk children are being admitted to care on an emergency rather than a planned basis, contrary to HSE policy.