Children's ombudsman calls for urgent reform of assessment of need system

The ombudsman's office published a report in 2020 on unmet needs in this area: "Six years later we are... reiterating many of the recommendations in that report."

The ombudsman for children has called for urgent reform of assessment of need for children with disabilities, saying action is still needed on recommendations made six years ago.

It is now typical for children to be waiting 27 months for these assessments, despite a legal requirement for them to be completed within six months, the Oireachtas disability committee heard.

Dr Niall Muldoon said his office published a report in 2020 on unmet needs in this area.

“Six years later we are here today reiterating many of the recommendations in that report,” he said.

“Daily we receive complaints from distraught parents whose children have been on a waiting list for years to access an assessment of need for their child.” 

He said after assessment, "they struggle to get any or all of the services recommended to help their child talk, move, learn and grow". 

He told the committee: "Change is urgently needed and any reforms must ensure children’s timely access to services."

Dr Niall Muldoon said 'change is urgently needed and any reforms must ensure children’s timely access to services'. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

The discussion centred on proposed reforms to assessment of need under the Disability Act.

He welcomed some of the proposed changes. 

However he said the reforms do not address the structural issues raised by the 2020 report.

They does not propose, for example, boosting enforcement mechanisms. This and other gaps are “potentially a missed opportunity” for effective reform, he said.

Dr Sarah Cassidy, president of the Psychological Society of Ireland, told the committee better communication is needed with families around what assessments can deliver.

“We see this every single day, where families approach and ask us 'can you do an assessment of need’' and not every person needs that,” she said.

She agreed with Senator Margaret Murphy O'Mahony there are many "misconceptions" around the point of getting an assessment. 

This can add to families’ distress, she said.

Wednesday was the second day this week for the committee to focus on these proposed changes.

It heard on Tuesday from groups including the Disability Federation of Ireland, Enable Ireland, and AsIAm.

Adam Harris, chief executive of AsIAm said: “Over 90% of children who are part of the assessment of need applicants are not seen within the six-month period.

“The average waiting period for an assessment of need is over 27 months.” 

Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) director of advocacy Dr Emer Begley welcomed some proposed changes.

These include "clearer definitions, statutory guidance for assessment of need officers and stream-lined procedures".

However, she raised concerns about growing pressures.

"Many of DFI’s member organisations providing services and supports operate with persistent staff shortages and limited clinical capacity," she said.

She warned reform focused just on assessment without investment "may widen the gap between assessments completed and the availability of interventions, therapies or family supports".