Sir, - Your report headed "High media profile for ISPCC head" (The Irish Times, January 22nd) quotes health boards as saying that fewer than 100 referrals are made annually by Childline. I would like to make the point that this refers specifically to direct referrals made by Childline on behalf of its callers. It does not take account of the number of children who report abuse directly to the health boards, having spoken to Childline and been advised to do so. Nor does it include the number of children who, again having contacted Childline, report abuse to parents or other adults but never speak to the health boards.
Furthermore, your article does not accurately reflect the support that Childline provides to hundreds of children every week who may not be in a situation where a referral is required but are victims of emotional neglect, bullying, mental abuse or teenage pregnancy, or are in great need of someone caring and non-judgmental to discuss a personal issue with.
I despair of anyone who questions the value of Childline. Every day across Ireland children are being emotionally, physically and sexually abused. The more horrific cases are the ones that the media don't hear about because they are being perpetrated upon terrified victims who wouldn't dream of contacting the social services. Their only hope is an anonymous, confidential helpline where counsellors listen carefully, support them in a child-centred way and encourage them gently to change their situation.
As your article states, in the few years since its inception Childline has become the "flagship activity" of the ISPCC; this can only serve to illustrate the importance of the service. Very few organisations, including State-sponsored and State-run bodies, can be considered perfectly run. But anyone who has any doubts about the ISPCC or any of its services should rest assured that its value is immeasurable to our children. - Yours, etc., M. Hudson,
Walkinstown, Dublin 12.