Tusla is developing a new policy for responding to allegations of child abuse, entitled CASP; Child Abuse Substantiation Procedure. This new procedure has been developed as a result of legislative requirements and case law.
The Child Abuse Substantiation Procedure (CASP) is the process and steps involved in Tusla’s investigation of child abuse allegations, where Tusla may need to inform a third party of potential risk to children. Examples of third parties include parents, family members, employers, and community organisations.
When Tusla receives a report of child abuse, it must consider if there is an immediate risk to children and take immediate and appropriate action to protect children in this situation.
A significant change to previous Tusla Policies to respond to allegations of abuse, is that Tusla recommends that any person who receives communication from Tusla of an allegation of abuse, seeks legal advice and are encouraged to bring a legal advisor to any meeting with Tusla.
Tusla has commenced consultation with key stakeholders to provide feedback on the draft Procedure and supporting documents. As a key stakeholder, IFCA, as the national organisation that supports foster care, was asked to review the draft policy and documentation and offer feedback to Tusla. A public consultation was also held and was brought to the attention of foster carers, should they wish to offer feedback. Our feedback to Tusla included an on-line submission and a position paper, both which were informed by the experiences of members communicated to us through IFCA’s national helpline and national advocacy service.
It is important for your views to be heard directly, and Tusla are now offering a focus group meeting to hear your feedback on Wednesday 22nd September at 2pm and 10am on Friday 24th September. If you would like to take part in one of these focus groups please email admin@ifca.ie before 13th September 2021 indicating which day you would like to attend. Places are limited to 6 on Wednesday 22nd September and to 16 on Friday 24th September.
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Irish Foster Care Association
