HEALTH SERVICE EXECUTIVE:THE HEALTH Service Executive has acknowledged failings in child protection structures and work practices following publication of the Child Death Review Group's report. In a statement, HSE national director of children and family services Gordon Jeyes said he strongly supported the report's recommendations on the need for a more effective multidisciplinary partnership among those who provide services to vulnerable young people.
“All of us working in children protection and welfare are committed to the delivery of a high-quality service that is accountable, consistent and transparent and always puts the needs of children first,” he said.
Offering his sympathy and condolences to those affected by the deaths covered in the report, Mr Jeyes said it was important to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths so that lessons could be learned.
“The report is very clear that there were deficiencies in a number of services . . . We must address these deficiencies and learn from past mistakes,” he said.
He said the review’s recommendations would be considered as part of the ongoing reform programme in child protection services. He said some recommendations, including the establishment of a national review panel and the development of risk assessment and workload management guidelines, had been introduced.
