HSE Child Services Lack Resources

Hundreds of children at risk of abuse are not getting the help they need due to staff shortages and a lack of resources, according to a recent review.

The review on the HSE’s Child and Family Service say many social work teams have reported long waiting lists for child abuse referrals.

In north central Dublin, some children are waiting up to a year to be allocated a social worker, while in Co Kerry, some are waiting three-and-a-half years for services like psychiatric support.

The review has also found that a lack of staff and poorly developed services mean at-risk children are being admitted to care on an emergency rather than a planned basis, contrary to HSE policy.

The recently-completed report, which runs to more than 900 pages, is the first such review and covers child and family services for 2005.

(DW)