A MAJOR review has started into the care of a number of vulnerable teenagers who live in residential care in the North of Ireland.
It follows the arrest in Co Derry of a residential social care worker on suspicion of child abduction, abuse of trust and drug offences.
The arrest was made by detectives from the PSNI’s Public Protection Branch.
The police confirmed the 25-year-old man was released on bail and inquiries are ongoing.
The Safeguarding Board NI – the body in charge of the protection of children – is carrying out the review.
A case management review is not undertaken lightly; it happens after a child is seriously injured, abused, neglected or has died.
It allows the authorities to explore the role of various authorities involved in the care of children to see how they have worked for a child and to learn, where possible, when something has gone wrong.
It is a significant development, which includes a police investigation.
In a statement, the PSNI said the man was arrested in March and later released on bail pending further inquiries.
His role as a residential worker means he was there to support young people in a home environment and in a place that is staffed 24 hours a day.
There are about 150 young people in mainstream trust facilities across the North of Ireland.
In order to protect those children there are a number of safeguarding practices in place, including all social workers and social care workers who work with children having to register with the NI Social Care Council.
For that registration to be successful, checks are carried out to establish whether there have been previous convictions or if previous investigations involving children have taken place.
The British Association of Social Workers said that it recognises, in light of the case, the importance of robust recruitment procedures and qualified social work staff working in residential care with children and young people.
It also said it wished to acknowledge the thorough response of the relevant health trust to ensure the safety of those in its care.
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