Ombudsman to launch child protection investigation

The Ombudsman for Children has launched an investigation to determine if child protection guidelines are being properly implemented.

Emily Logan says she has received a number of complaints raising serious concerns about the implementation of the Children First guidelines, which were introduced in 1999.

Her investigation into the matter will focus on the HSE, which is responsible for making sure the guidelines are adhered to.

The state-wide probe was sparked by the “disturbing” results of a recent official review on the implementation of the national guidelines for child welfare.

“It is important to note that this is just the start of the investigation and we have not reached any conclusions on these matters,” she said.

Ms Logan said the “independent, systemic, national investigation” would focus on the HSE, which is responsible for enforcing the Children First guidelines.

The role of the Department of Health’s Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA), which is responsible for monitoring the enforcement, will also be scrutinised.

“I am concerned about the partial or non-implementation of these guidelines by the HSE and how this could result in systemic deficits in the management and care of children,” said Ms Logan.

“As the person with statutory responsibility for promoting the rights and welfare of children living in Ireland it would be remiss of me not to make my concerns known at this stage.”

The non-statutory Children First Guidelines were adopted in 1999 and place a responsibility on the HSE to implement guidance and procedures with a wide range of individuals and agencies.

The HSE, Children’s Minister Barry Andrews and Health Minister Mary Harney have all been notified about the investigation.