The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has today published an inspection report on a children’s residential centre.

HIQA is authorised by the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, under Section 69 of the Child Care Act, 1991 as amended by Section 26 of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2011, to inspect children’s residential care services provided by the Child and Family Agency (Tusla). HIQA monitors Tusla’s performance against the National Standards for Children’s Residential Centres and reports on its findings to the Minister.

An announced inspection of a statutory children’s residential centre was carried out on 18 and 19 January 2022 in Tusla’s South region. The findings of this inspection were positive and the centre was found to be compliant with eight of the nine standards assessed and substantially compliant with one standard.

Young people living in the centre received a good quality service which was person centred. They were supported by an experienced and committed staff team who encouraged and supported them to pursue their goals and achieve their full potential. Staff worked effectively with social workers, young people and their families to promote the safety and wellbeing of young people. Where complexities existed, they were responded to and appropriate additional supports were put in place to keep each young person safe. 

Renovations had enhanced the living environment in the centre, which provided more appropriate spaces that met young people’s needs. It also provided for improved and less intrusive supervision for the young people, and a more homely and comfortable atmosphere when entering the centre.

The centre was well managed and the governance arrangements in place were effective and ensured accountability for the delivery of good quality and safe care to the young people placed there.

While the overall findings were positive, there was a need to ensure that appropriate alternative forward placements were in place in a timely way, to provide consistent and needs-led care.

The inspection report and compliance plan can be found at the link below.