Legal changes won’t solve all problems relating to protecting children

Central to recent reports on the issue of child protection are proposals to change the law and the Constitution.

I have been a public sector social worker for nearly 40 years, more recently as a child care manager in the HSE. Over that period, there has been a persistent perception that the legal system, and changes to the system, have the potential to solve all problems relating to children.

I have great respect for the law and its capacity to protect children. Nevertheless, the most important factor in achieving that aim is the early identification of children at risk, immediate and comprehensive assessment of their needs, and prompt decisions on appropriate actions to meet them. No legislative change will achieve this, unless decision-making processes are professional and speedy.