HealtH Matters 35
CHIlDCarE
fully part of the plan. Not most of them – other to move forward in the same way.
every single child. the quality and the experience of our core
• Every case that is referred to a duty
“We need to build an
staff who work with children and families is
team should get an initial assessment
effective system where
extremely high. Bringing everyone together
very quickly. Not some of them – every will make the difference for every child.
single case.
the best outcomes for
Within the Hse, we have the ability and
• Every foster family should be fully the responsibility to make a lot of these
assessed and registered.
children are at the very
changes. We now have an identified new
heart of what we do. In
structure for childcare services that will
We need to build an effective system provide for streamlined and standardised
where the best outcomes for children
particular, we need to
arrangements.
are at the very heart of what we do. In New standardised processes will
particular, we need to strive to protect
strive to protect those
be rolled out in each area. there will
those children who are at risk of abuse
children who are at risk
be one national childcare information
and neglect. system within two years. New practices
If we create this new reality then
of abuse and neglect.”
are being piloted (Differential Response
transparency and accountability will be a Mechanism). This will mean that all cases
natural part of how we do our business coming in will be assessed swiftly by a
and the core product will be that children multidisciplinary team. Most of the cases
are safe and families are nurtured. will be immediately referred to family
In order to achieve this and stay health nurses, care workers, managers, support services to get early interventions
focussed on the best interests of children politicians, voluntary agencies and the established.
and their best outcomes we need to media. We all need to be focussed on the changing of structures will take time
do this together; social workers, public the same direction and supporting each because we need to work this through
with everyone together. the changes of
processes will be rolled out this year, so
will a new implementation of Children First,
the National Guidelines for the Protection
and Welfare of Children. raising the bar on
fostering, care plans, special care and high
support, new social work posts (200+) are
all targets for 2010.
Much of this is already underway.
standard systems and processes will
make it easier for frontline staff and
free them up to get on with the day
job – making a difference. that means
being freed up to manage the daily risks.
We need to stay in that space of risk
management rather than stepping back.
We won’t always get it right, but if the risks
are taken in the best interests of children
the support is and will be there. We need
to stay together and be the champions for
children despite the criticisms we receive.
The biggest prize of all is to make Ireland a
really safe place for children. so, keep the
faith, be prepared for ongoing change and
let’s do it together.
together we will change the landscape
for children in Ireland and in time the
perception of the Hse will be of an
organisation and staff committed to
protecting children and families at all costs.
HM Iss6.1 p1-70.indd 35 12/03/2010 15:15:17
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