LACK OF STANDARDS IN RESIDENTIAL CENTRES RESULT IN NEGLECT OF RIGHTS OF CHILDREN WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY

Inclusion Ireland says the lack of standards in residential centres for children with an intellectual disability result in the rights of the child being neglected. Recent findings of the Employment Appeals Tribunal that Stewarts Hospital Dublin had acted disproportionately in sacking a staff member who had slapped a twelve year old boy with intellectual disability in a wheelchair three times, show that the rights of the child are being overlooked. CEO Deirdre Carroll says this case “raises very serious concerns around the protection and safety of children with disabilities in care”. Ms. Carroll said the slapping of a child by a person charged with their care is a very grave offence.

“The slapping of a child with a disability is an outrage and it is difficult to understand how such conduct was not considered to be of such gravity as to constitute gross misconduct. Children with intellectual disability are one of the most vulnerable groups in our society and are entitled to be protected and receive care of the highest order and quality. Stewarts Hospital, as reported, acted as one would expect an organisation entrusted with the care of children to act, and after an investigation decided to dismiss the staff member. The staff member in question has had his rights upheld by current employment legislation but who is protecting the rights of the child?

“There is no statutory requirement for the registration or inspection of residential centres for children with disabilities in this country. Standards are in the process of being developed for residential care centres for people with disabilities by the Health Information and Quality Authority but it will take considerable time before they are implemented. In the meantime, will this ruling encourage staff working with children with disabilities to report others whose work practices leave children at risk?”

RETURN TO PRESS STATEMENTS