Confirmed child abuse cases rise by 20% in 3 years

CONFIRMED cases of child abuse increased by 20% over a three-year period, according to a report launched yesterday by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Barry Andrews.

There were 2,164 confirmed cases of abuse in 2008 — the latest year for which figures are available from the Health Service Executive (HSE), an increase of 20% since 2006 when there were 1,797 such cases.

The majority of cases were for neglect at 44%, followed by physical abuse at 22%. Sexual abuse accounted for 13% of cases while 20% were emotional abuse.

The State of the Nation’s Children’s Report: Ireland 2010, the third in a biannual series, also shows a 22% increase in cases examined by HSE social workers.

The number of cases that went to initial assessment increased from 12,520 in 2006 to 15,364 in 2008.

Half of the reports examined were welfare concerns, while 20% were aboutneglect. Physical or sexual abuse was a concern in about one in 10 reports assessed.

An initial assessment is where a social worker examines the information received, decides if a child is at risk and what steps should be taken to ensure that the necessary services are provided.

Caroline Kingston from the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) said that between 20,000 to 25,000 children are referred to the HSE’s child protection and welfare services every year.

"The increase in the number of reports being assessed is welcome, given the shortage of social welfare workers, but, ideally, every child referred should be assessed," she stressed.

Ms Kingston said the HSE was trying to ensure that all children at risk got access to services, instead of those at higher risk, an impossible aspiration without the availability of a 24-hour service.

"The increase in the number of child welfare and protection assessments has to be welcomed, given the resources available, but there is still a long way to go," she said.

The report also shows a substantial decrease in the number of children referred to the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme.

Last year there were 18,519 children aged between 10 and 17 referred to the programme, a 13% decrease on 2008 when there were 21,412.

The aim of the programme, administered by Garda Juvenile Liaison Officers, is to prevent young offenders from entering into the full criminal system by offering them a second chance.

Some 77% of referrals were from children aged 15 to 17, 81% were boys and 19% were girls.

Most cases were dealt with by way of a formal (22%) or informal (46%) caution, while 25% were considered unsuitable.

Alcohol-related offences were the single highest cause of referrals to the programme, representing 18% of all referrals.

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