The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has today published an inspection report on Oberstown Children Detention Campus.

HIQA is authorised by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs under section 185 of the Children Act 2001, as amended, to monitor Oberstown Children Detention Campus and provide advice to the Minister. HIQA inspects Oberstown Children Detention Campus to ensure that the wellbeing, welfare and safety of children is promoted and protected, and to measure its compliance with the rules within the Oberstown Children Detention Campus Rights Policy Framework (2020) and its compliance with Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017).

An announced inspection was carried out in Oberstown Children Detention Campus across three days between 1 and 4 November 2021. This was the first inspection against the new rules. Of the 12 rules assessed as part of this inspection, four were found to be compliant, six were substantially compliant and two were not compliant.  

This inspection found that young people were well cared for during their time in Oberstown. Although the rights of young people were promoted, this was not consistent across the campus. Young people’s healthcare, educational and recreational needs were well met, but additional supports for some young people were needed. 

Overall, governance of the campus was strong, but managerial oversight and monitoring of practice required improvement. Importantly however, the oversight, authorisation and use of all restrictive practices needed to be strengthened. 

Recurring findings of several inspections related to inadequate record keeping and poor levels of staff supervision had not been addressed. These non-compliances required a strategic and committed approach by managers to ensure improvements in these areas.  

Read the report and action plan at the link below.