Representatives of Tusla and an Garda Siochána from the county attended an event to share the best practices in child protection, and to strengthen interagency collaboration.
The forum, titled ‘Child Exploitation – An Interagency Response’ took place in Cork on Wednesday, 18th June.
The forum was the first regional event of its kind, highlighting the importance of interagency cooperation in tackling complex issues such as child sexual and criminal exploitation.
The event demonstrated the work of the Senior Local Management Liaison Forums a key structure under the Joint Working Protocol between both agencies.
These forums ensure effective communication, joint case management, and timely responses to child protection concerns.
The forum featured expert speakers from Tusla and An Garda Síochána, as well as the HSE and legal and academic professionals, all contributing to a deeper understanding of child exploitation and how to combat it.
One of the Keynote Speakers, Searan Boland Principal Social Worker attached to the Garda National Protective Services Bureau, spoke about the concept of criminal and sexual exploitation where young people are targeted by individuals and groups and the importance of information being shared between the agencies.
The event was closed by Chief Superintendent Tom Myers of the Cork City Garda Division who congratulated the organisers of the event and said it helped to raise awareness, build relationships and strengthen our collective response to this important issue.
The forum event was supported by CKT Solicitors and the Cork International Hotel.
Other speakers included:
- Detective Kevin Hastings and Det Sgt. David Noonan, who shared insights into digital evidence gathering and interagency cooperation with an example of a successful prosecution of an individual targeting a number of children in the community in respect of sexual exploitation. Leah McDonnell, Principal Social Worker, also co-presented on the case study.
- Niamh Whooley, Barnahus South, and Sgt Gillian Meaney, who presented a case study on cross-agency support for a teenage survivor of sexual assault abroad.
- Denise Kirwan, Partner at Comyn Kelleher Tobin Solicitors, who addressed the The Criminal Justice (Engagement of Children in Criminal Activity Act (2024) and legal challenges in supporting victims.
- Dr. Seán Redmond, University of Limerick, who explored the societal dynamics of crime networks where children can be targeted and coerced into a range of criminal activities. In this context, intelligence led research has been completed with an initiative underway.
- Padraig O’Donovan, DRIVE (Drug Related Intimidation and Violence Engagement), who highlighted the impact for families relating to violence and intimidation and the multi-agency response to this in supporting these families nationally.
