HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
INQUIRY INTO CHILD PROTECTION SERVICES
On Tuesday, 14 May 2002, the Health, Social Services and Public Safety Committee agreed, in principle, to conduct an Inquiry into the arrangements in Northern Ireland to protect infants and children from physical, sexual and mental abuse.
Recent confirmed and alleged cases of child abuse within Northern Ireland have highlighted many of the potential dangers faced by infants and children, both inside the family home and at the hands of those entrusted with their care and protection.
The Committee was deeply concerned that 1,414 children are currently on the Child Protection Register in Northern Ireland (a figure that highlights only those cases that have come to light).
The Inquiry will consider the quality of, and resources allocated to, child protection services in Northern Ireland with reference to the provision of similar services in Great Britain and other selected countries.
The Committee will report to the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and the Northern Ireland Assembly on its findings and conclusions, and make recommendations as necessary.
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS RELATING TO THE INQUIRY