Following on from the disclosure that a vulnerable child service user of Extern in Fermanagh was sexually abused by their key worker, the relevant authorities were contacted for comment, including the PSNI who it was initially contended did not investigate if others under the offender’s care may have been targeted, although that is disputed.

The Department of Health was asked if it provides funding to Extern for services delivery of services and if so, is this now under review, given what occurred,

A spokesperson replied: “As a consequence of the migration of the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) into the Department of Health in April 2022, the Department now holds a number of service contracts with Extern. Health and Social Care Trusts and a number of other bodies also commission services from Extern.”

They continued: “At the time this serious safeguarding matter came to light, the Department was advised that the Extern Board and Leadership Team worked with the relevant service commissioners, including the HSCB, to provide assurances that Extern’s policies, procedures, and practices on safeguarding and governance are robust and are being implemented.

"We are also advised that some policy changes were made by Extern in relation to cross-border working and repeat vetting of staff. The allegation of abuse was investigated by the Western Health and Social Care Trust and the PSNI in accordance with the Protocol for Joint Investigation by Social Workers and Police Officers of Alleged and Suspected Cases of Child Abuse – Northern Ireland.”

The PSNI was asked why a trawl for other potential victims was not undertaken given the vulnerability of service users and what level/rank took this decision.

In response, Detective Chief Inspector Lorraine McCutcheon said: “Reports of allegations of sexual abuse are robustly investigated by the PSNI’s Public Protection Branch. When a report was received in relation to sexual abuse involving an employee of Extern and a young person in their care, an investigation was launched immediately. The offender was subsequently arrested and interviewed, leading to his successful conviction.”

She continued: “The PSNI always seek and encourage victims to take the brave step in coming forward and reporting to us. As part of this investigation, Detectives were involved in multi-agency meetings with the Health and Social Care Trust and Extern to form an information sharing agreement with a focus on the safeguarding and identification of any further potential victims. 

"Following an external review of Extern in October, detectives again further investigated and made enquiries in relation to other potential victims. No further victims were identified or came forward. 

"If there is somebody out there who is suffering in silence after being sexually abused or assaulted, please come forward and report to us. It doesn’t matter when the abuse happened, we can still help you. Detectives in the Public Protection Branch are specially trained and will treat you with sensitivity and respect.”

The Department of Justice was asked how much funding has been provided to Extern in each of the last three financial years, and confirmed this amounted to £309,826 annually, totalling £929,425 for the timescale in question.

This is used for the Extern Works project which delivers personal development and vocational skills training to service users in Maghaberry Prison.