An unannounced inspection of a centre in the South West region took place in February 2026. This inspection was intended to be part of HIQA’s programme of inspections focused on safeguarding and the effectiveness of leadership and management at ensuring a rights-based, good quality and safe service. Due to the significant concerns identified on inspection, this became a risk-based inspection. The centre was not compliant with all five standards assessed.

Given immediate risks to the safety, health and welfare of children living in the centre, an urgent compliance plan was issued on the first day of the inspection requesting that the provider outline how it would address these risks. HIQA found regular illicit substance use was occurring both in the centre and on its grounds by some children. Despite staff and management being aware of this, the significant concern had remained unaddressed and was not managed effectively. 

Governance and management oversight required improvement, such as establishing effective supervision and risk management systems. Governance required strengthening to support staff to effectively safeguard children in their care, and there were unclear lines of accountability and oversight of responsibilities from senior management. 
Children were provided with opportunities to engage in individual work, as well as to avail of supports with external services. While they often declined these offers, there were missed opportunities by staff and management to assist and support children to manage issues in their daily lives. Overall, significant improvements were required to ensure that the service was child centred and children living in the centre received good quality, safe care.

In February 2026, an unannounced inspection took place following the move to a new premises in the South West to assess the centre’s compliance with the National Standards for Children’s Residential Centres (2018). Of the eight standards assessed, the inspection found that six were compliant and two were substantially compliant. 

The centre’s new premises provided children with a homely and child-centred environment with plenty of space for the children. Consideration was given to the needs and rights of children already living there when admitting new children to determine whether there would be any risk or impact to them. The centre had a child-friendly version of the centre’s statement of purpose which was given to children upon admission. 

There was open communication with children to ensure that their voices were heard and respected, and children had the opportunity to be involved in their care planning. 

Management and staff were clear on their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and providing a safe service, though further strengthening of information sharing with schools was required. The frequency and recording of supervision required improvement to ensure it adhered to national Tusla policy.

An unannounced inspection of a centre in Dublin North East took place in January 2026. This inspection was conducted as part of HIQA’s programme of inspections focused on safeguarding. Of the seven standards assessed, two were compliant, one was substantially compliant and four were not compliant.

Leadership, governance and management arrangements required improvement, including the management of risk, risk oversight systems and recognising, monitoring and reviewing a restrictive practice. Responses to identified risks were not effective and did not adequately safeguard young people from harm. HIQA requested assurances from the provider and actions were taken to address the immediate risks.

An updated suite of national policies and procedures with updates to areas of practice were provided to HIQA following the inspection. 

Young people’s rights were considered in the context of the safeguarding practices within the centre which aimed to promote their welfare and protect them from harm. Staff were aware of and promoted children’s rights and young people were consulted about and were supported to make decisions and express their preferences. 
Furthermore, improvements were required to the collective risk assessment process as it was ineffective at identifying safeguarding risks. When risks emerged following an admission, action to ensure a review of children’s care and placement plans were not timely. Safety plans that were in place were inadequate and did not satisfactorily safeguard young people.