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 West region.

HIQA conducted this unannounced inspection on 30 September and 1 October 2024. The inspection focused on leadership and management in the centre and how effective it was in ensuring that a rights-based, good-quality and safe service was being provided to the children. Of the 11 standards assessed, the service was compliant with nine standards and substantially compliant with two. 

Children living in the centre received care and support that promoted their rights and appropriate safeguarding measures were in place to protect them from risk of harm. Children were supported with their health and wellbeing needs, and their educational needs were also being met. 

There were effective governance and management systems in place that promoted the delivery of high-quality, child-centred care and support. All staff were supervised in line with the provider’s policy. However, staff performance appraisals had not been completed and further consistency was required in the frequency of team meetings. 

While a positive approach to the management of behaviour was promoted, not all staff had completed mandatory training in the approved behaviour management technique and a restrictive practice in use required review.

The provider has submitted a compliance plan to address the issues identified. 

Notes:

• 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.