HSE Child Protection and Welfare Service in Carlow/Kilkenny - hiqa.ie

Inspection of the HSE Child Protection and Welfare Service in Carlow/Kilkenny Local Health Area in theHSE South RegionHealth Information and Quality Authority7. Glossary of TermsCare orders: under the Child Care Act, 1991 there are a number of procedures,which the Health Service Executive (HSE) can use when dealing with children whoare at risk or who are in need of care. The HSE may apply to the courts for a numberof different orders, which give the courts a range of powers including decisions aboutthe kind of care, and the access to the children for parents and other relatives. TheHSE must apply for a care order if a child needs care and protection which he/she isunlikely to receive without an order. The district court judge may make an interimcare order while the decision on a care order is pending. This means that the child isplaced in the care of the HSE for eight days. It may be extended if the HSE and theparents agree. Generally the parents/guardians must be given notice of an interimcare order application.A care order may be made when the court is satisfied that:• the child has been or is being assaulted, ill-treated, neglected or sexually abused• or that the child’s health, development or welfare has been or is likely to beimpaired or neglected• the child needs care and protection which he/she is unlikely to receive without acare order.When a care order is made the child remains in the care of the HSE for the length oftime specified by the order or until the age of 18 when he/she is no longer a child.The HSE has the rights and duties of a parent during this time.Child Abuse: child abuse can be categorised into four different types; neglect,emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. A child may be subjected to oneof more forms of abuse at any given time. For detailed guidance and signs andsymptoms on each type of abuse, please refer to Children First (2011).Child protection concern: the term ‘child protection concern’ is used when there arereasonable grounds for believing that a child may have been, is being or is at risk ofbeing physically, sexually or emotionally abused or neglected.Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare ofChildren (2011): Promotes the protection of children from abuse and neglect. Itstates what organisations need to do to keep children safe, and what differentbodies, and the general public should do if they are concerned about a child’s safetyand welfare. It sets out specific protocols for HSE social workers, Garda Síochánaand other front-line staff in dealing with suspected abuse and neglect.Child protection conference (CPC): a child protection conference (CPC) is aninter-agency and inter-professional meeting, convened by the designated person inthe HSE. The purpose of a child protection conference is to facilitate the sharing and56