SOCIAL WORKERS have called on the Government to ensure child and family services are adequately resourced before it enacts plans to introduce mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect.
At its annual general meeting yesterday, members of the Irish Association of Social Workers expressed concern that a new legal obligation to report child protection concerns could lead to a “flood” of reports, which may overwhelm what they say is an already stretched service.
Under the Children First Bill published last month, professionals or organisations that work with children, including sports clubs or groups,will be obliged to report suspicions or allegations of abuse to social services. Failure to do so could result in a fine or jail term of up to five years.
Association president Ineke Durville said evidence from other jurisdictions showed that mandatory reporting led to a dramatic increase in reports regarding risks to children.
She said it was crucial to ensure that social work services were adequately resourced. Otherwise, it would make it significantly more difficult to undertake quality assessments and interventions.
“There is a danger that valuable time could be used up dealing with lots of referrals, which don’t turn out to be serious,” she said. “This, in turn, could take people away from being involved in early intervention and working with families.
“This is wider than just social work. It’s about providing resources for education and training as well. Education is crucial. Schools, community groups and wider society need training over when and how to report concerns . . .
“We’re not opposed to mandatory reporting, in principle. It just needs to be backed up with resources to allow us to do our jobs properly.”
The association passed a motion calling on the Department of Health to ensure these steps are taken. It also called on the Minister for Health and on Coru – the regulatory body for health and social care professionals – to reduce a €295 annual fee which will be compulsory for all 3,000 social workers in Ireland.
A register of social workers was established last year and from the end of May 2013, only registered social workers will be able to use the protected term “social worker”.
Declan Carey, a member of the association, said registration was a positive step to increase the status of the profession, but he insisted that the fee was too expensive.
“Many can’t afford it. There are many unemployed or part-time social workers who simply can’t pay that amount,” Mr Carey said.
“Many young social workers are asking parents for a loan to pay the fee. This is embarrassing. Coru hasn’t listened to what we’re saying.”
While the fee is €295, there is a reduced fee of €100 for new graduates who apply within two years of graduation.
