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 South East region. 

HIQA conducted this unannounced inspection on 15 October 2024. The inspection primarily focused on the leadership and management of the centre and the quality and safety of care provided to children. Additionally, it focused on the care and support that children received and how their rights were promoted. The inspection found that of the 11 standards assessed, the service was compliant with eight standards, substantially complaint with two and not compliant with one. 

HIQA found that the governance arrangements and structures had been strengthened and the lines of authority and accountability were clearly set out. There was good management and oversight of some aspects of the service. Further strengthening of the audit process was required as not all gaps in practice and risks were always identified or placed on the risk register. Improvement had been made in management oversight of the use of restrictive practices.

There was good practice where complaints raised by children were resolved swiftly by management. There was good communication and information sharing between different agencies involved in the care planning needs of each child. 

The staff team and managers had a good understanding and knowledge of children’s rights. Children received information about their rights in a booklet and staff completed key work sessions with children to help them understand how these rights were translated in their day-to-day life. 

A child’s right to education was promoted by the staff and managers in the centre, who took all appropriate measures to encourage children to participate in education. The layout and design of the residential centre provided a safe environment for the number of children who resided there. However, not all necessary steps to protect children from harm on the premises were taken. 

Improvements had been made in the approach to safeguarding children while online and children who presented with mental health needs. Risk assessments were completed for children where safety concerns were present. Creative ways were used to meet children’s needs that promoted their health and wellbeing, and supported integration into their local community. For children who were diagnosed with additional needs and or a disability, staff and managers collaborated with professionals and children to promote their health and development. Further strengthening of staff practice and understanding of prescription and non-prescription medications a child was taking was required.

All four children who resided in the centre were in the preparation stage for leaving care. Each child had an allocated social worker and they were also assigned an aftercare worker. 

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.