The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has today published an inspection report on Tusla’s compliance with the Child Care (Placement of Children in Care) Regulations, 1995 (22 – 25). 

HIQA is authorised by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs under Section 69 of the Child Care Act, 1991 as amended by Section 26 of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2011, to inspect social work services provided to children placed in residential care by the Child and Family Agency (Tusla). 

An announced inspection of Tusla’s South region, between 25 and 28 February 2019, found compliance with two regulations and substantial compliance with another two regulations. 

Inspectors found that in the Kerry and Waterford/Wexford service areas, all children whose cases were reviewed had an allocated social worker, their care plans were up to date and of good quality and the views of the child and others were considered within the planning process. However, it was not always evident from case records that each child’s care plan was shared appropriately. 

Kerry and Waterford/Wexford service areas maintained a secure case record for each child in residential care which held the relevant documentation required by the regulations. 

All children had received a visit by their allocated social worker but not all visits took place within the regulatory time frame. There was a record of each social work visit which showed that social workers spent time with children doing activities and supporting them through difficult times. Practice in relation to recording visits needed to improve, as they were not always easy to find. 

There were good quality, timely reviews of children in residential care and it was evident that there was a good level of consultation with all the people involved in the care of the child. Children often attended their review meetings and when they chose not to, they were supported to make their views known. The needs of children were clearly outlined and addressed in review meetings. 

The South region has provided an action plan response to address areas for improvement identified on inspection.