ISPCC Welcomes Ombudsman for Children’s Recommendations

The Ombudsman’s recommendations include that:

• the HSE prioritise direct contact with children;
• the HSE inform and educate parents of children making disclosures of alleged sexual abuse about the full range of services available to them;
• the HSE allocate a social worker to complex cases;
• the HSE improve record-keeping;

The ISPCC acknowledges that the HSE has accepted all recommendations and urges the HSE and in time the new Child and Family Agency to take immediate action in ensuring that adequate and timely responses and 24 hour supports are provided to children and their families.

The Child and Family Agency must ensure that all staff are trained and supported to adequately respond to families following disclosures of alleged abuse including through the provision of practical, accessible and timely information.