Child Sexual Assault Unit reopens doors after shock closure

The Child and Adolescent Sexual Assault Unit (CASATS) in Galway has resumed its 24-hour, 7-day a week service after a shock closure on New Year’s Day.

There was outrage earlier in the week when the only service of its kind providing therapy to children and adolescents unexpectedly shut its doors.  It was established five years ago to provide forensic medical care for suspected child victims of sexual violence.

But following discussions with Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar and  Tony Canavan, HSE West,  Senator Hildegarde Naughton, Fine Gael spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, yesterday revealed the unit would remain open.

“I am delighted to report that CASATS, Galway and Ireland’s only 24-hour acute and historic forensic medical service for children and adolescents is to resume its service.

“Recent reports that the service was to close were met with alarm by both parents and organisations working with children at risk.

“In that light I contacted both the Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar , and Tony Canavan of HSE West with a view to having the matter resolved in the interests of all our children.

“The Minister and Mr. Canavan both understand the importance of retaining the service and have informed me that an interim agreement has been reached between CASATS and the HSE to immediately reopen the service. This is with a view to shortly concluding a permanent and long-lasting agreement. Last year the unit assessed/treated 70 children and its closure on Jan 1 was blasted as ‘begarring belief’ given the prevalence of sexual assault and violence.

Cllr Catherine Connolly said it was simply unacceptable that child victims of sexual violence will have to travel to Dublin for assessment.

“The unit which opened its 24 hour service in Galway in 2011 is absolutely essential, given the prevalence of sexual assault and violence in the community-statistics which unfortunately have been repeatedly confirmed.”

For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.