Chapter 7 — Recommendations

(ii) To prevent where possible and reduce the incidence of abuse of children in institutions and to protect children from such abuse

Children in care should not, save in exceptional circumstances, be cut off from their families. Priority should be given to supporting ongoing contact with family members for the benefit of the child.

The full personal records of children in care must be maintained. Reports, files and records essential to validate the child’s identity and their social, family and educational history must be retained. These records need to be kept secure and up to date. Details should be kept of all children who go missing from care. The privacy of such records must be respected.

‘Children First: The National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children’ should be uniformly and consistently implemented throughout the State in dealing with allegations of abuse.