Sir, - The Irish Association of Social Workers and others are sending out the wrong signal when they object to mandatory reporting of abuse or suspected abuse of children.
All professionals are agreed that the subject of mandatory reporting is complex and difficult. However, in my view, mandatory reporting of abuse is much more than just a sensitive subject; it is in fact a fundamental right. All citizens, whether young or old, should be aware that abuse or threats of abuse of any kind is a crime. Anything less is unacceptable.
There are fundamental questions that still need to be answered by the Government, by health board managers and voluntary organisations in relation to the appropriate allocation of resources, the management of child abuse and the need for increased and ongoing training. Of course, there will need to be clarification of policy and the immediate implementation of procedures.
Owen Keenan of Barnardos is correct when he states that the health boards and gardai should be entitled to exercise reasonable professional discretion when reports are made for the investigation of abuse or alleged abuse. The Social Workers Organisation will be left behind on this one, because, as they meet this weekend, they continue to send out the wrong message to those who have in the past or are currently being abused.
Why are professionals such as doctors, teachers, youth leaders and others fearful of mandatory reporting? Is it a lack of leadership? Is it fear of prosecution? Is it lack of skills necessary to deal with presenting abuse? Or is it that mandatory reporting means different things to different people?
Social Workers - especially those based in hospitals or working in child care - need to be leaders in implementing mandatory reporting to ensure that children are not only protected but are full citizens of our society.
My fear is that many professional organisations may be using this issue to "barter" for professional recognition, better conditions, increased wages or increased funding for their specific professional activity.
Why should a crime or a suspected crime be exempt from the law? Is rape, assault or intimidation different for adults than children or minors?
Social workers in the past have got a bad press and have been misunderstood. If they do not change their views on this one they will deserve it this time.
It is simply unacceptable to allow abuse or the threat of abuse of any kind towards children to be ignored in the interest of a professional/therapeutic relationship. - Yours, etc., Tommy Morris
(Medical social worker), Castletown, Leixlip, Co Kildare.