The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has today published the inspection report on the non-statutory foster care service operated by Foster Care Ireland.

HIQA conducted the inspection of the Foster Care Ireland service on 10 to 12 February 2026 to assess compliance with the National Standards for Foster Care (2003). The inspection focused on the safeguarding of children and young people placed in foster care. Placements are commissioned by the Child and Family Agency’s (Tusla’s) service area teams. HIQA found that the service was compliant with all five standards assessed during these inspections.   

HIQA found that Foster Care Ireland recognised children’s rights to safety and aimed to place children with foster carers who have the capacity to keep them safe. Foster carers felt supported to provide children with a safe and nurturing environment. Issues within placements were addressed, and support was provided in a timely manner. Where suitable, children were supported to maintain contact with family members and other people of significance as appropriate. 

The inspection found that there were effective policies and guidance in place to keep children safe and protect them from all forms of abuse. There was a strong focus on safeguarding and a shared responsibility across the service, with staff and foster carers understanding their role in keeping children safe. The findings with respect to consistent adherence to the provider’s policy were addressed during the inspection, and this had not posed a risk to children’s safety. 

Foster Care Ireland had effective structures and governance arrangements in place for the management and monitoring of its services. There were strong systems in place for the management of risk, auditing and quality improvement processes. Foster carers were approved in line with the service’s assessment policies and received relevant information, which was discussed with them. Foster carer assessments were thorough and compliant with regulations and standards, with any delays documented and supported by a clear rationale.

Foster carers participated in regular, timely and comprehensive reviews of their ongoing capacity to provide high-quality care. The service had policies and procedures in place to schedule additional reviews when needed. Reviews included the views of children and other relevant stakeholders, and link workers maintain records and oversight. 

Note:

• HIQA is authorised by the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality under Section 69 of the Child Care Act, 1991 as amended by Section 26 of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2011 to inspect foster care services provided by Tusla and to report on its findings to the Minister and to inspect services taking care of a child on behalf of Tusla, including non-statutory providers of foster care. HIQA monitors foster care service against the National Standards for Foster Care (2003) and advises the Minister and Tusla.