ONE IN four principal teachers in primary schools has referred an allegation or made a disclosure of child abuse to the HSE, writes Sean Flynn.
The finding, which will raise new concerns about child protection, comes in an INTO survey of 500 teachers - virtually all of them school principals. The survey also shows that fewer than half of primary teachers charged with reporting allegations of child abuse to the HSE have had any training. Of those who have received training, 70 per cent found it to be inadequate.
All schools are obliged to appoint a "designated liaison person" to report allegations of alleged child abuse to the HSE or the gardaí. In general this is the principal teacher.
Last night, the INTO called on the Minister for Education to ensure that training is put in place as a matter of priority.
General secretary of the union John Carr said that proper training in this area was vital to make sure that teachers in this position are able to do their jobs properly. The survey reported that at present there is no support structure in place for teachers. "More must be done to help teachers to carry out this important role," said Mr Carr.
The report highlighted that the emphasis within the HSE was on sexual abuse and that issues of neglect and physical abuse did not appear to be a priority.
The main survey findings include: 53 per cent indicated that they had not had any training to carry out the role of child protection officer or designated liaison person (DLP) in schools.
Seventy per cent of those who had indicated that they had received training, found it to be inadequate.
Sixty nine per cent of those who had indicated that they had received training felt that further training was necessary, 40 per cent stated that they had sought advice from the HSE in relation to a child protection matter, 25 per cent stated that they had referred an allegation or had made a disclosure of child abuse to the HSE, 60 per cent felt that the relevance and effectiveness of supports provided by the HSE was fair to poor and 71 per cent reported that the follow-up/feedback provided by the HSE was fair or poor.
Generally, teachers found their experience of carrying out the role of child protection officer to be time-consuming, very isolating and solitary. The role demands that the DLP supports teachers and others involved in child protection issues but the survey indicated there was no support structure for the DLP or the school.
Reference was made to difficulties arising with some newcomer children in child protection, particularly with regard to cultural differences and what the parents of these children view as acceptable levels of punishment and discipline .
It was stated that there was a need for child protection leaflets in a number of languages.
While acknowledging that supports are put in place by the social services for the child and the family concerned, it was felt there was no recognition of the fact that because the DLP had made a disclosure/allegation, the potential for damage to the relationship built by the school with a parent/parents over many years was great, making it difficult to maintain any form of positive relationship into the future.
The survey also highlighted the lack of feedback to the DLP once a referral had been made, particularly if a decision had been made by the HSE not to pursue the matter. It was also felt that the emphasis within the HSE was on sexual abuse and that issues of neglect and physical abuse were not a priority. On the positive side, it was accepted that, where referrals were made, the outcome for the children concerned had generally been positive.