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Childcare Abuse Solicitors
If your child has been the victim of verbal, psychological, or physical abuse while under the care of a creche, nursery, pre-school, or any other body that cares for children on behalf of their parents or guardians, you may be entitled to take a claim on your child’s behalf, and on your behalf also.
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Childcare abuse ‘A Breach of Trust’
The issue of childcare abuse in creches and after-school facilities has been in the news over recent months and years. Following the RTÉ Prime Time programme ‘A Breach of Trust’, it became apparent that certain creches and nurseries had not followed the correct process, and in some cases, verbal and physical abuse was caused by certain staff members on children and toddlers in their care. This programme was extremely distressing to both the parents and guardians of these children and the general public and has raised awareness across Ireland in relation to childcare abuse.
What effect does this have on children in a creche or childcare facility?
A number of behavioural psychologists in Ireland have stated that this type of childcare abuse is both emotionally and physically harmful to a child and may have long-term psychological effects on a child. The Health Service Executive (HSE) produces inspection reports annually and from the reports completed during 2012/2013, in the case of pre-schools and creches:
- 75% of pre-schools and creches are in breach of the childcare regulations
- 34% are in breach of five or more regulations.
- 57% of Dublin creches had 5 or more breaches, while 86 % in Kildare had 5 or more breaches last year
- One in five creches in Roscommon breached 10 or more regulations last year
- In Kildare, almost a quarter of creches breached 10 or more regulations
- 48% of creches were in breach of regulation 8 concerning the adult/child ratios and staff background checks
- 29% of creches were in breach of regulation 19 concerning the overcrowding and upkeep of premises
- 41% of creches were in breach of regulation 27 on measures to provide a safe environment
- One in seven creches nationally was in breach of regulation 5 concerning the welfare of children
Since the airing of ‘A Breach of Trust’, certain creches have implemented more stringent methods of monitoring and training their staff. (Source: RTÉ)
What information can I obtain from a creche or other childcare facility in relation to my child’s care?
Barnardo’s has a helpful parent guide in relation to childcare. Below are helpful points in relation to the information that you can legally request from your child’s creche, preschool, or nursery:
- The service or club should be happy to tell you that all staff (voluntary or paid) have gone through a Garda check.
- You should ask what the organisation’s Child Protection Policy is and if the staff have been trained in the policy. Proper training will assist staff in preventing and responding to suspected child abuse. The Designated Person is the title given to the person appointed in each organisation to deal with child protection concerns reported by staff, children or others.
- Who is the Designated Person in your child’s club, crèche etc.? You should be satisfied that they have guidelines that ensure the best standards have been set for the ongoing delivery of that service. This includes having the recommended numbers of staff to supervise the children.
- The organisation should keep records on all children. These should include your consent to membership, medical details, information about any special needs and emergency contact telephone numbers.
- Check that staff have an accident/incident book where they write up and tell you about any incident concerning your child on the day it happens.
- It is important to find out how the service deals with challenging or disruptive behaviour and bullying.
- It is important to know that they will deal with it and have thought about what is acceptable and what is not. If your child is going on a trip it is important that you know what their policies are around these trips.
- You should satisfy yourself that the building and facilities are safe and secure and that there is someone trained in first aid on site.
What signs can I look for in my child?
Small children and toddlers find it more difficult to verbalise if they are feeling stressed or upset but there are certain signs you can be aware of, such as the ones below:
- Your child loved crèche or pre-school but now doesn’t want to go.
- He/she complains of stomach ache or headaches before being dropped off at a creche, daycare or preschool.
- He/she no longer wants to play with a child he/she once liked.
- He/she suddenly becomes withdrawn, depressed, fearful or clingy.
- He/she has unexplained bruising or cuts. Small children get bumps and bruises when they play, but if your child seems to have more than a normal amount or “forgets” the details of getting hurt, it might warrant a closer look.
The above list is only indicative; however, if you feel that your child has suffered injury or trauma as the result of any form of childcare abuse when in someone else’s care, there are steps you can take both legally and
Our team
If your child has been the victim of childcare abuse; verbal, psychological or physical abuse while under the care of a creche, nursery, pre-school or any other body that cares for children on behalf of their parents or guardians, you may be entitled to take a childcare abuse claim on your child’s behalf, and your own behalf also. Our experienced team of childcare abuse solicitors has a strong history of dealing with this type of case, and we would be happy to discuss your particular circumstances with you.
Coleman Legal LLP
Solicitors
84 Talbot Street, Dublin 1
D01 YX60
Contact Details
Free Phone: 1800-844-104
Fax: (01) 5312727
Email: info@colemanlegal.ie
Web: www.colemanlegalpartners.ie
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Clodagh Magennis
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P: 1800-844-104
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