Statement on investigation into implementation of Children First

Statement by the Ombudsman for Children on her investigation into the implementation of Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children

The Ombudsman for Children has completed her investigation into the implementation of Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children.

This investigation, which was launched in November 2008, focused on the HSE as the statutory agency responsible for the implementation of the Children First guidelines and the Department of Health and Children/Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA), which is responsible for monitoring their implementation.

Today, in accordance with section 13 of the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002, the findings of the investigation have been sent to both the HSE and OMCYA in order to afford them an opportunity to respond and to comment on the recommendations. Any comments submitted will then be considered by the Ombudsman for Children before the report is published.

ENDS

Note to Editors:

i) Both the HSE and the OMCYA have been given a period of 3 weeks to respond to the Ombudsman for Children’s report.

ii) Further comment will be made by the Ombudsman for Children’s Office when the report is published.

iii) Previous statements by the Ombudsman for Children on the investigation into the implementation of Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children can be accessed here

For more information contact Nikki Gallagher at 01-8656803 or 086-8163246

• 15 February 2010
• Type: Statement