The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has today published a thematic inspection report on the Child Protection and Welfare Service operated by the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) in the Mid-West service area. Thematic inspection programmes aim to promote quality improvement in a specific area of a service and to improve the quality of life of children and families receiving the services. 

HIQA is authorised by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs under Section 8(1) (c) of the Health Act 2007 to monitor the quality of services provided by Tusla to protect children and promote their welfare. HIQA monitors the performance of Tusla against the National Standards for the Protection and Welfare of Children and advises the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and Tusla.

HIQA conducted a thematic inspection of the child protection and welfare service in the Mid-West over four days in August 2020. This themed inspection aimed to assess compliance with the national standards relating to managing referrals from receipt to the point of completing an initial assessment. Of the seven standards assessed, two were compliant, four were substantially compliant and one was partially compliant.

At the time of inspection, the governance structures in place supported the delivery of a good service to children and families in the Mid-West service area. Inspectors found the service area to be proactive and responsive from the point of initial reporting of a concern to Tusla, through to the completion of an initial assessment. The service operated a waiting list, and this was well managed.

While inspectors found that the quality of risk analysis and children’s needs were of a high standard, some delays were found in the completion of initial assessments. There was also good quality sharing of information from relevant professionals, including collaboration with An Garda Síochána. 

Safety planning was central to the work undertaken by social workers and inspectors found that these plans were adequately monitored and reviewed. Where appropriate, children participated in the development of these plans. Children who were at immediate risk or who required an immediate response received this in the Mid-West service area.

Improvements were required in the timely completion of preliminary enquiries and initial assessments. Further improvements were required in how staff and managers recorded their work, in order to have complete and accurate data on the area’s information system.

The report can be found on www.hiqa.ie.