Key Lessons to be Learnt for Tusla Following HIQA Report

Barnardos expresses concern about issues raised in today's Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) report into the management by Tusla of child sexual abuse cases, but welcomes recommendations which offer opportunity for learning and improvement of services.

June Tinsley, Head of Advocacy, Barnardos, said: "The HIQA report is important to identify and remedy a number of concerning issues into how allegations of child sexual abuse were handled by Tusla. Underpinning many of the failings identified is the ongoing shortage of qualified social work staff countrywide within Tusla, which acts as a key barrier to the delivery of high quality child protection services. Without sufficient resources to hire, retain and support frontline staff, many of these challenges will remain.

"The report highlighted inconsistencies in the screening and assessment of allegations, resulting in some children failing to receive timely and effective care. The efficacy of how cases of historical child abuse are investigatedwas highlighted. Similarly, the variations around safety planning shows further failures to protect the safety of children who have already been identified as at risk of abuse.

"The delays and gaps in inter-agency communication, information sharing and case management between Tusla and An Garda Siochana is identified again as a clear barrier to effective protection and safeguarding of children at risk. This has been raised by other child protection reports and analysis."

Fergus Finlay, CEO, Barnardos, said: "The HIQA report highlights serious gaps and failings within our child protection services. However, the recommendations are welcome and do provide a clear pathway as to how services can be refined and improved - hopefully leading to a more child-centred and effective service which will benefit all children in Ireland. Budget 2019 must ensure additional funding is allocated to Tusla to guarantee the implementation of these recommendations.