Information for parents and relatives

We are working towards improving the quality of care for all children in residential settings across Ireland.

The Standards

We inspect children’s residential centres, special care units and foster care settings against the National Standards for Children’s Residential Centres, produced by the Department of Health and Children (DoHC). These standards set out how children should be looked after in these social care centres.

Inspectors from the Authority visit to check that children are being looked after properly, in line with our standards. Children and parents can also use them to see what should and should not be happening in places where children are being looked after.

We have produced new National Quality Standards for Care Services for Children and Young People. 

Inspections

We inspect children's residential centres run by the HSE to ensure that there are good standards of care for all young people who are placed in children's centres.

How do the inspections take place?

Inspectors visit each children's centre over two or three days. We meet with the staff and young people to get their views and opinions about what it is like to live in the centre. We also talk to social workers and managers. We examine case files and other records and observe practice.

What role do parents and relatives play in the inspections?

Meeting and talking to parents, if possible, is a very important part of the inspection. We want to hear your views on the care provided for your child. We also want to listen to how parents themselves are treated by the centre and to learn if, in your opinion, there are things that could be improved. Find out more about inspections, see frequently asked questions or view inspection reports.