THE number of children referred to the North Eastern Health Board where abuse and/or neglect is suspected is continuing to rise according to the board's figures for 1996. The number of cases of suspected neglect rose from 289 in 1995 to 398 last year. In each year 101 cases were confirmed.
In its annual review of the adequacy of Child Care and Family Support Services, the NEHB said further increases of approximately 10-15 per cent could be anticipated this year. Dr Ambrose McLoughlin, deputy CEO, said the increase in the reporting of suspected cases was due to awareness in the community and was to be welcomed.
The number of cases of reported physical abuse rose from 95 to 194, with 62 confirmed. Sexual abuse cases referred to the board rose for the fourth year in succession. They jumped from 201 in 1995 to 241 last year with 57 confirmed. In 1995 71 were confirmed. Last year 27 out of 124 cases of emotional abuse were referred compared to 17 out of 53 cases in 1995.
Commenting on the figures, a health board member, Mr Peter Savage, said that despite the improved services the number of children being neglected had virtually doubled in the last five years. He asked: "Is the core of the problem being addressed sufficiently well or will we come back in five years time and see the problem continue to rise?"
He suggested a custodial sentence for a person who willingly or knowingly was aware of abuse taking place and did not act on the information. Another health board member, Mr Patrick Conaty, said it was important that school attendance records be kept. "When children do not attend school it should be followed up as it could be a sign of abuse."