Children’s Rights Alliance Press StatementBy Senator Jillian van Turnhout

“The Children’s Rights Alliance welcomes today’s publication of the Government’s ‘Second Progress Report’, which tracks progress on the 99 actions of its Ryan Report Implementation Plan.  The Alliance warmly welcomes the improved quality and accountability of this year’s report.  The decision by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald TD, to include a non-governmental voice by inviting the Alliance to join the Monitoring Group – solely comprising statutory officials up until May 2011 – has paid dividends.  That said, much work remains to ensure the full implementation of the 99 actions, to both support the victims of past abuses and to uphold the rights of children at risk and those in care.

“The Alliance has played an important role in improving the report since last year.  For example, a narrative which identifies key priorities for 2011 and an assessment of the status of each of the 99 actions has been developed for the first time.  It is important that momentum is maintained as the Plan reaches its mid-way point (it is a four-year plan) and, in particular, where – disappointingly – deadlines have been missed.  Revised targets have been set in this report which is hoped will bring fresh impetus to complete actions in a timely manner and enable ongoing monitoring. 

“Though the Second Progress Report contains some information on the budget allocation and priorities, it fails to provide a detailed breakdown of spending.  Moreover, while annual progress reports are of great importance, they only tell part of the story.  As we commence the final two years of the Implementation Plan, the true measure of success will be whether the Plan can deliver positive outcomes for children. 

“The Plan sets out a clear road map to reform our child care and protection system.  It is imperative that the State ensures that every victim of child abuse will be able to access adequate therapeutic supports and that each child in care has an allocated social worker, a written care plan, additional supports when in crisis, and their care setting independently inspected: these are the fundamental building blocks of the care system. 

“Much progress has been made to date, but key issues remain.  Delivery on the commitments announced by the Government last week – to place Children First Guidance on a statutory footing and enact the National Vetting Bureau Bill – will be critical.  The commitment to invest in mental health supports for children in care and detention is to be warmly welcomed and must be delivered as a matter of priority: it will make a tangible difference to children’s lives. 

Senator Jillian van Turnhout
Chief Executive

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For more information, call:
Carys Thomas, Communications Director
Mobile: 087 7702845
carys@childrensrights.ie

Note to Editor
Maria Corbett, Policy Director, represented the Children’s Rights Alliance on the Ryan Report Implementation Monitoring Group.