IPPN

Last Updated: Tuesday, 04 December 2012 12:04

‘Poll is a chance to consider whether service provision to vulnerable children in schools is adequate’

The Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN), the representative body for primary school leaders, has called for a Yes vote in the Children Referendum on Saturday.

Seán Cottrell, IPPN Director, said the referendum was an opportunity to vote in favour of strengthening children’s rights and to consider whether service provision to vulnerable children in our schools is adequate.

‘We must ensure that the child, not the service, is the central focus of policy-makers when framing change that affects young people,’ said Mr Cottrell. ‘Although the legislative amendment is long overdue to protect and enhance children’s rights, we must ensure, too, that all parts of the system to which children are exposed are properly coordinated, resourced and responsive to need,’ he said.
 
He said that, despite advancements, children remain vulnerable to inadequate support systems and under-resourced services.

‘Sadly, principals far too often find themselves at “case conferences”, along with other care professionals, attempting to address the needs of a child who has suffered neglect, emotional, physical or sexual abuse. Many principals report that, on discovering a case of neglect or child abuse, they struggle to ensure the child gets the appropriate services in a safe and secure environment. Much of the problem stems from an uncoordinated and under-resourced system of service delivery to the most vulnerable children in our schools,’ said Mr Cottrell.
 
IPPN wants the Government to create a sufficient budget for the provision of the appropriate child-centred services so that:

• every child receives the services, screening and subventions to which they are entitled;
• the early identification and detection of child-specific needs is assured which, in turn, will save the system money in the long term; and,
•  there is a notable improvement in communication between each of the services, ensuring a holistic approach to the care of each child in the system.

‘Child-centred social services that are integrated, resourced and responsive must follow needed legislative change to the Constitution. Then, the Government, in framing its Budget, must avoid cutting school funding, targeting special needs resources and closing small schools. If we can get the policy and legislative mix right across the board, we will be in a stronger position to give our children the future they deserve,’ said Mr Cottrell.
 
ENDS