The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has today published an inspection report on a children’s residential centre operated by the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) in the South region. 

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 Tusla. HIQA monitors Tusla’s performance against the National Standards for Children’s Residential Centres and advises the Minister and Tusla.

HIQA conducted this unannounced inspection over two days in January 2024. The inspection primarily focused on the leadership and management of the centre and the quality and safety of care provided to children. Additionally, it focused on the care and support that children received and how their rights were promoted and realised. Of the 11 standards assessed, seven were found to be compliant, three were found to be substantially compliant and one standard was found to be not compliant. 

Overall, the management ensured that a safe and caring service was provided to children. Children received care and support which was respectful of their diversity and promoted their rights. Management and staff were knowledgeable and experienced at appropriately responding to children’s needs. While there were some staff vacancies, there was effective workforce planning in place. However, the premises was unsuitable for a children’s residential centre and this had been highlighted for a number of years. While efforts had been made to identify alternative suitable premises, these had not been effectively progressed at the time of the inspection. 

Effective arrangements were in place to ensure good information governance and records management, however, the children’s register did not contain all relevant details, as required. In addition, some improvements were required in the provision of support and supervision to staff and management oversight of fire safety arrangements.  

Following the inspection, management submitted a satisfactory compliance plan to address issues identified during the inspection. The inspection report and compliance plan can be found at the link below.