Overhaul of child protection services demanded

A radical root-and-branch reform of the child protection system in Ireland has been recommended in a damning inquiry in to child deaths in care.

A dedicated unit is also needed to review all deaths in care and the in camera rule in family court hearings also needs to be examined, according to the report.

Some 6,200 children in the care of the HSE, with more than 90% with foster carers and the remainder in residential care.

Gordon Jeyes, national director of children and family services, said his thoughts were with the families and carers of these young people.

"I am conscious that the publication of this report may cause families to revisit what must have been an incredibly difficult time in their lives," he said.

"Whilst every death of a child is a tragedy, whether by illness, accident or violence, it is important that we examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of these young people so that we can learn lessons from the past."

The independent probe by Geoffrey Shannon and Norah Gibbons was launched in March 2010 to examine the deaths of 23 children in the care of the State, or known to the Health Service Executive, between 2000 and 2010.

Within weeks the number of deaths reviewed totals 196, with 112 found to be of unnatural causes like murder, drug use, suicide and road traffic accidents.

Mr Jeyes acknowledged the failings in the systems and in work practices in the past, adding they would be used to promote learning and inform an extensive reform programme already under way in Children & Family Services.

He said staff members had been disciplined over the inquiry, but refused to comment on which cases or if anyone lost their job.

"All of us working in Children Protection and Welfare are committed to the delivery of a high quality service that is accountable, consistent, and transparent and always puts the needs of children first," Mr Jeyes added.

"This report is a timely reminder of the urgency of our task to improve and reinforce all our services for children."

The HSE said actions already taken include the appointment of a Mr Jeyes, the reissue of national guidelines, management changes, and the establishment of the National Review Panel for serious incidents and child deaths. It has also published 12 reports covering 17 cases.

Children's Minister Frances Fitzgerald said Government was bringing forward a proposed constitutional amendment to further strengthen child protection and give constitutional recognition to the best interests of the child.

The recruitment of an additional 260 child protection social workers has also continued, and a new family and child support agency will be up and running by January 2013.

"This report highlights how children with serious psychological or behavioural difficulties went undiagnosed and untreated, even though those children were in care or known to social workers," she said.

The minister also pledged to address the serious concerns raised on aftercare.

"All children in care should be entitled to an assessment of their needs before they are 18 and all children in care should be entitled to the supports that they need," she added.

"I believe the law needs to be strengthened in this regard, and with advice from the Attorney General, I will be proposing legislative change later this year, in the bill to establish the Child and Family Support Agency."