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Public Consultation on Draft National Quality Standards for Residential and Foster Care Services for Children and Young People underway

The publication of the Draft National Quality Standards for Residential and Foster Care Services for Children and Young People is a reflection of the commitment of the Health Information and Quality Authority to achieve a better future for children in Ireland.

The Authority recognises the importance of increasing the quality, safety and care for all children in Ireland but is most especially concerned with those children who are particularly vulnerable and find themselves living away from their families. Whether as a result of disability, a problem in the family or a criminal offence, these children require special consideration and protection.

This commitment draws its strength from a determination to draw a line under, and to learn the lessons of, the past described in the recently published Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse (2009) and Commission of Investigation: Report into the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin (2009). This commitment puts the happiness, wellbeing and safety of children at the centre of policy making and provision.

When enacted, specific sections of the Health Act, 2007 will extend the Authority’s existing remit for the protection of children. As the independent organisation with responsibly for driving quality and safety improvements in health and social care settings, the Authority will be given statutory responsibility for the registration and inspection of designated centres for children and young people.

Feedback

We are inviting feedback from the public, children and young people themselves and interested parties. The deadline for receipt of submissions is 31 March 2010.

Comments can be submitted by completing the feedback form, by going to our facebook page (search for HIQA on www.facebook.com) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/hiqa). You can also email us at consultation@hiqa.ie or post your comments to the Health Information and Quality Authority, Children’s Consultation, George’s Court, George’s Lane, Smithfield, Dublin 7.

Consultation toolkit

We’d like to hear from children and young people’s themselves and get their views on our draft standards. If you work with young people and want to make a group submission or assist children in taking part, please download our information flyer, feedback form and easy-to-read guide to the standards.

Existing National Children's Standards

National Standards for Children's Residential Centres, DoHC (2001) [217Kb PDF file]

Inspections of children's residential centres are conducted against the "National Standards for Children's Residential Centres" published by the Department of Health and Children (DoHC), following consultation with the former Health Boards and the SSI. The standards are based on the requirements of primary legislation and regulation as well as findings from research and current knowledge about best practice in residential child care. They are supported by a series of criteria, which, if satisfied would indicate that the standard is fully met. Standards cover such matters as the premises, purpose and function, health and safety, management and staffing, planning and review arrangements for care of the children, the quality of care provided, children's rights, child protection, education and vocational training, health care and health education, exercise of control, record keeping and the extent of parental involvement in the care and upbringing of the children. In 2004 a children's version [1.18Mb PDF file] and a version for young people [1.94Kb PDF file] was published.

National Standards for Special Care Units, DoHC [146Kb PDF file]

These standards were produced by the DoHC, following consultation with the former Health Boards, the SSI and voluntary groups, in response to the development of special care units; centres where children may be detained on foot of a 'Special Care Order' as legislated for by the Childrens Act 2000. The standards are based on legislation and the "National Standards for Children's Residential Centres". SSI's annual inspections of special care units are conducted against these standards. A revised version has been developed by the DoHC and is awaiting finalisation.

National Standards for Foster Care, DoHC (2003) [875Kb PDF file]

These standards were produced by the DoHC in 2003 following consultation with representatives from the former health boards, the SSI, the Irish Foster Care Association and other professionals involved in the provision of foster care. They are based on the relevant legislation, regulation and guidance, and best practice. They were influenced by inspection experience in residential child care, feedback from foster carers and young people in care and by the National Standards for Children's Residential Centres.

These Standards apply to services provided under the Child Care (Placement of Children in Foster Care) Regulations, 1995 and the Child Care (Placement of Children with Relatives) Regulations, 1995. A children's version of the standards was published called the Children's book about Foster Care (2003) [2.16Mb PDF file].