IRELAND
Irish Examiner
October 27, 2017
Social workers have warned the child protection system is “in no way ready” for the introduction in six weeks time of mandatory reporting of child abuse concerns, writes Catherine Shanahan
Frank Browne, chairman of the board of directors of the Irish Association of Social Workers (IASW), said: “You have to be sure before implementing a new system that it can deliver and there is no evidence that Tusla is ready.”
He said the IASW was “never in favour of mandatory reporting”, which, they believe, will lead to a massive increase in referrals to child protection services.
As it stands, more than 800 children regarded as “high priority” cases are without an allocated social worker.
“We see it as potentially placing children at greater risk because there will be more children on waiting lists,” he said.
“Mandatory reporting might tick all the boxes, but it means social workers will have to respond to what could be very superficial concerns.”
From December 11, under the Children First Act 2015, all individuals and groups dealing with children will be obliged to report child protection concerns that cross a defined threshold to Tusla.
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