HSE received 1,500 abuse claims in last three years

Date Published: 24-Mar-2010

Nearly 1,500 allegations of child neglect or abuse of a physical, sexual or emotional nature have been reported to the Health Service Executive in Galway since 2007.

Figures released by the HSE under the Freedom of Information Act show 447 child neglect and abuse allegations were made last year, 462 were made in 2008 and 548 were made in 2007.

The Health Service has also revealed that there are only four approved designated beds for at risk children in Galway.

Out of the 447 claims of child abuse made last year, 93 referred to alleged physical abuse, 75 claims referred to sexual abuse, 158 allegations of neglect were made to the HSE while 121 claims of emotional abuse were logged.

Less than half the allegations were initially assessed by the HSE with 158 Initial Assessments carried out. This usually consists of a home visit and an interview. Following the initial action, 58 cases were referred to the Child Protection notification system (CPNS).

In 2008 there were 81 initial assessments out of a total of 462 allegations of child abuse, while in 2007 there were 75 initial assessments of 548 claims of child abuse. 54 cases were referred to the Child Protection Notification System (CPNS) in 2008 while 24 cases were referred in 2007.

The figures released also reveal that there were no initial assessments of child neglect and abuse allegations carried out between July 07 and January 2008 due to the HSE recruitment embargo. There are 80 full and part time social and child protection workers employed by the HSE in Galway.

See full story on this week’s Connacht Tribune.