Too many organisations still not respecting children’s rights – Annual Report 2016

Annual Report 2016 – 1,682 new complaints 

“Another rise in the number of complaints received by the Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO) in 2016 is clear evidence that too many organisations are still not respecting children’s rights”, says Dr Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children. Niall was speaking at the launch of the Ombudsman for Children’s Office Annual Report 2016.

Complaints

“In 2016, we received 1,682 new complaints about the treatment of children and young people by public services and organisations. This is a 3% increase on 2015 and a 47% jump since 2010.

“Making a complaint does make a difference as public bodies generally respond positively to recommendations and improve their services to children and families as a result. However, the number of complaints suggests that public bodies and Government departments still have a long way to go towards fully respecting and promoting children’s rights in the work that they do.

“Education was a factor in the majority of the complaints received at 46%. While this is very much in line with previous years, it raises concerns about the quality of complaints handling in schools. If progressed, I expect the Education (Parent and Student Charter) Bill 2016 to strengthen internal complaints procedures in schools.

“In 2016, 23% of the complaints received related to the Child and Family Agency (Tusla). Although Tusla has developed Meitheal, which identifies the needs and strengths of children, I remain concerned that they are still primarily operating as a crisis agency. There are clear inconsistencies within the agency both geographically and in terms of how issues are dealt with.”

Detailing the complaints received by the OCO, Director of Investigations, Nuala Ward commented:

“Children with disabilities struggling in inappropriate housing were a feature of a number of complaints received in 2016. We found that children who are homeless with significant disabilities or medical needs were not always prioritised in the administration of housing policy. There is also an urgent need to ensure adequate provision of family friendly emergency accommodation so that normal family routines can be maintained as much as possible.

“We received concerning complaints about the adequacy of supports for children with disabilities and about the experience of some children with mental health issues trying to get help, especially at times of crisis. These young people are particularly vulnerable, and we are focusing specifically on promoting their rights as part of our Strategic Plan 2016-2018.”

Hearing the voices of young people

As well as dealing with complaints, the OCO plays a key role in raising awareness of children’s rights. In 2016, the Office launched Tune In, a consultation with young people, where they were asked how they would like to learn about their rights. Over 2,000 young people in 21 counties took part. Members Phibblestown Youth Participation Group, outlined some of the recommendations they made as part of Tune In:

“Mental health and internet safety are real challenges facing young people today. We feel it is important for all youth voices to be heard because we are the young people of Ireland, we have a right to be heard and it is important for the Office to hear things from our perspective.”

Advice on policy and legislation

Highlighting the importance of hearing children’s voices, Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon concluded:

“This year the OCO commented or gave advice on eleven strategies, policies and pieces of legislation. The views expressed are always informed by the opinions of the young people we interact with, and by the complaints we receive.

“I am more convinced than ever that children’s rights remain a crucial issue in Irish society. 25 years after Ireland ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, it has still not been fully integrated into law. We must continue to work towards fully realising the rights of the young people of Ireland.”

ENDS

Contact:
Aoife Carragher
Ombudsman for Children’s Office
01 865 6806/ 087 148 4173

Notes to Editor

• The Ombudsman for Children’s Office is an independent statutory body with an overall mandate to promote the rights and welfare of children under the age of 18 living in Ireland.
• Among the Ombudsman for Children’s core statutory functions is the independent and impartial investigation of complaints made by, or on behalf of, children in relation to public bodies, as well as organisations providing services on behalf of the State.
• You can read the report in full at https://www.oco.ie/publications/annual-reportsfinancial-statements/

• 23 May 2017
• Type: Press Release