Menu
17/05/2017
Minister Zappone Accused Of Failing To Protect Children
The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone, has been accused of failing to protect children by ignoring the issue of adult disclosures.
Making the accusation Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Children & Youth Affairs, Anne Rabbitte, said: "Retrospective disclosures are cases where an adult reports abuse that they experienced in their childhood. It is believed that adult disclosures make up a significant number of all child sexual abuse cases. In many cases, the alleged abuser is still alive and active in their community. This is an extremely difficult situation for abuse victims, which is exacerbated by the length of time it can take for a social worker to be appointed to their case.
"In March this year, there were 1,895 adult disclosure files open in Tusla. Of these, 754 were awaiting the allocation of a social care worker.
"As it stands, these cases are being treated as low priority, shoved in the back of drawers and filing cabinets. This is despite the fact that a significant number of the alleged abusers still pose a risk to children. I have heard stories where the alleged abuser is still minding children or coaching a sports team. That is not to mention the considerable distress the victims must feel when their allegations are not handled appropriately.
"This is clearly not good enough, and I am calling on Minister Zappone to take a more proactive approach to adult disclosures."
(MH/LM)
Making the accusation Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Children & Youth Affairs, Anne Rabbitte, said: "Retrospective disclosures are cases where an adult reports abuse that they experienced in their childhood. It is believed that adult disclosures make up a significant number of all child sexual abuse cases. In many cases, the alleged abuser is still alive and active in their community. This is an extremely difficult situation for abuse victims, which is exacerbated by the length of time it can take for a social worker to be appointed to their case.
"In March this year, there were 1,895 adult disclosure files open in Tusla. Of these, 754 were awaiting the allocation of a social care worker.
"As it stands, these cases are being treated as low priority, shoved in the back of drawers and filing cabinets. This is despite the fact that a significant number of the alleged abusers still pose a risk to children. I have heard stories where the alleged abuser is still minding children or coaching a sports team. That is not to mention the considerable distress the victims must feel when their allegations are not handled appropriately.
"This is clearly not good enough, and I am calling on Minister Zappone to take a more proactive approach to adult disclosures."
(MH/LM)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 October 2012
16-Year-Old Sentenced To Six Years For Rape
A 16-year-old boy has been sentenced to six years’ detention with the final three years suspended for the rape of a 15-year-old girl at a house party in Dublin last year. The boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to raping the girl in a bedroom on 5 March 2011.
16-Year-Old Sentenced To Six Years For Rape
A 16-year-old boy has been sentenced to six years’ detention with the final three years suspended for the rape of a 15-year-old girl at a house party in Dublin last year. The boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to raping the girl in a bedroom on 5 March 2011.
25 May 2016
Homeless Children In Adult Hostels 'Disgraceful' - SF
Homeless children being placed in adult hostels has been described as "disgraceful" and a "huge cause for concern from a child protection perspective" by Sinn Féin's Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire.
Homeless Children In Adult Hostels 'Disgraceful' - SF
Homeless children being placed in adult hostels has been described as "disgraceful" and a "huge cause for concern from a child protection perspective" by Sinn Féin's Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire.
18 December 2009
Humble Apology As Bishop Resigns
The Bishop of Limerick Donal Murray has today "humbly apologised" to victims of child sex abuse by members of the clergy just as the Vatican announced his resignation had been accepted by Pope Benedict XVI.
Humble Apology As Bishop Resigns
The Bishop of Limerick Donal Murray has today "humbly apologised" to victims of child sex abuse by members of the clergy just as the Vatican announced his resignation had been accepted by Pope Benedict XVI.
20 November 2018
'Whole Govt' Families Policy Launched
Ireland's first ever cross-Departmental strategy to support babies, young children and their families as been launched by the the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and a number of ministers.
'Whole Govt' Families Policy Launched
Ireland's first ever cross-Departmental strategy to support babies, young children and their families as been launched by the the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and a number of ministers.
06 February 2014
Children's Organisations Call For An Outright Ban On Slapping Children
The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) and the Children's Rights Alliance have launched the findings of a survey conducted to investigate attitudes towards child discipline.
Children's Organisations Call For An Outright Ban On Slapping Children
The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) and the Children's Rights Alliance have launched the findings of a survey conducted to investigate attitudes towards child discipline.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy morning with scattered showers, some of these could be heavy in the afternoon. Becoming mostly dry by evening with increasing amounts of sunshine. Feeling rather warm. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:A bright end to the day with any showers quickly dying out. Dry overnight with long clear spells and light winds. Minimum temperature 11 °C.
