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

Earlier this year, HIQA commenced a programme of inspections focused on the safeguarding of children and young people living in children’s residential centres and of how effective the leadership and management of each centre is at ensuring a rights-based, good quality and safe service. Each centre is assessed against the National Standards for Children’s Residential Centres (2018) and this inspection was undertaken as part of this programme.

This was an unannounced inspection which took place between 5 and 6 August 2025. Of the eight standards assessed, HIQA found that four standards were compliant, three standards were substantially compliant, and one standard was not compliant. 

HIQA found that the young people living in the centre received care and support from staff that was respectful and sought to meet their needs in a calm and relaxed environment. There were strong systems in place to assess, monitor and respond to safeguarding risks in an appropriate manner. Staff demonstrated a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities in the protection and welfare of young people. 

Improvements were needed in the updating of information and communication with social work departments, the frequency of fire drills and the induction of agency staff. Opportunities to advocate more strongly on behalf of young people needed improvement so that there were clear plans in place to ensure the best interests of young people were fully represented. 

Some elements of governance at national level required improvement, including an update to the suite of national policies and procedures guiding staff practice in children’s residential centres.

Following the inspection, the provider submitted a satisfactory compliance plan to HIQA, which outlined plans to address the issues identified.

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 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 advises the Minister and Tusla.