The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has today published two inspection reports on children’s residential centres.

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. 

Announced inspections of two statutory children’s residential centres in the Tusla South and West regions were carried out in April 2022. Of the nine standards assessed during each of these inspections, one centre was found to be compliant with all nine standards. The second centre was substantially compliant with three of the nine standards assessed, and had a compliance plan in place to address the deficits.

Both centres were found to have appropriate governance and management structures in place to monitor practice and oversee the delivery of care to children and young people. Each centre’s statement of purpose and function described the model of service delivered in the centre. However, one centre’s statement of purpose required updating to reflect new national policies. There were sufficient numbers of competent and experienced staff working in each centre and this ensured that children’s needs were met on a consistent basis. Improvement was required in one centre with regards to staff supervision.

Good quality care and support was provided to each young person in both centres. Children were protected from abuse and there were good safeguarding practices in place. Where appropriate, children were helped and supported to prepare for adulthood. Placement plans and placement support plans were based on comprehensive assessments of need. However, in both centres not all care plans were up to date at the time of inspection. 

Children and young people who participated in these inspections spoke positively about their placements and felt cared for and supported by staff. Centres supported children and their families to keep in contact. Children's individuality was respected and their rights were promoted. In both centres, care was provided in partnership with family members and professionals involved with them. Children’s views were sought, listened to and acted upon. Children confirmed that staff treated them with dignity and respect. Both centres had a homely atmosphere which promoted the safety and wellbeing of the children residing there. Key working records also showed that children were supported to develop knowledge and understanding around their health, including sexual health. In one centre however, not all key working records were up to date.

The inspection reports can be found on www.hiqa.ie.