Tusla has said it will not force a child abuse survivor to come face-to-face with their alleged abuser.

The child and family agency is introducing a new set of guidelines for adults making disclosures about the childhood abuse they faced.

The guidelines, due to come into force in June, aim to ensure that allegations are “stress-tested” by social workers interviewing complainants.

This could include allowing people accused of child abuse to personally interview their alleged victims or be in a room when questions are asked.

In a statement, the agency said it was making the changes on the back of recent court judgements and a recent increase in adults making retrospective disclosures about their childhood.

It said there is a legal requirement on the agency to afford any accused person their right to natural justice and fair procedures.

Tusla said the guidelines allow people accused of abuse to request an interview; however, the agency said it “fully recognises the right of the person making a disclosure to refuse this request and we would never undermine a person’s right in this context.”

“The guide outlines different ways in which Tusla might explore the request for cross-examination considering the least harmful approach for the person who made a disclosure,” it said.

“Tusla cannot and would never compel a person to participate in a process that they would deem harmful to themselves.”

Maeve Lewis, Executive Director of One in Four, said the guidelines could prevent victims from coming forward.

“It is very difficult for adult survivors to seek help,” she said.

“I would be very concerned that any adult reading this, this morning would be very worried about where the information they give me as the councillor would go when it goes to Tusla.

“And that it might deter people who desperately need the support of organisations like One in four from coming forward.”

Cliona Saidlear, Executive Director of Rape Crisis Network Ireland, said victims’ rights must be protected.

“Legal rights and indeed consideration just in terms of decency in how we would approach and treat survivors in any sort of investigative or reporting process,” she said.

Tusla social workers are being trained now, ahead of the new guidelines which are due to come into effect in June.

With reporting from Shane Beatty