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 centre in the Dublin Mid Leinster region was carried out on the 28, 29 and 30 June 2022. Of the nine standards assessed, three were non-compliant, four were substantially compliant and two were compliant.

Inspectors found that young people in the centre received individualised and person-centred care. They were supported to pursue activities and to maintain regular contact with their families and community. 

The centre had clear management structures and a management team that were committed to providing a high-quality, child-centred service. However, future management arrangements were unclear as both the centre manager and acting deputy manager were stepping down from their roles. The centre had a committed staff team but staffing challenges were identified during the inspection, due to staff vacancies and the operation of children being moved to alternative accommodation outside of the centre. 

All young people had an allocated social worker and were visited in line with the requirements of the regulations. Child protection and welfare concerns were found to be reported in line with Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017).

The centre had a positive approach to the management of behaviours that challenged, but further work was required to ensure the consistent implementation of placement support plans during times of increased challenges in the centre.

Risk management systems were developed, but not all risk assessments had been updated to reflect the current risks. 

While the centre was clean and provided adequate space for the young people living there, significant refurbishment work was required to ensure the centre was homely. Concerns in relation to fire safety arose as a result of property damage. On the day of inspection, inspectors issued an urgent compliance plan with regard to non-compliances relating to fire. A satisfactory plan was returned to address fire safety concerns until further work could be completed, in order to ensure the centre was fully compliant with fire safety regulations.

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