HIQA has developed Draft National Standards for Children’s Social Services. These standards are for children at risk in the community or in the care of the State and set out what outcomes a child using children’s social services should expect and what a service provider needs to do to achieve these outcomes.
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Evidence to inform the Draft National Standards for Children’s Social Services
HIQA and the Mental Health Commission have developed an overarching set of national standards for the care and support of children using health and social care services. These overarching national standards set out the responsibilities of both health and social care providers when they are caring for and supporting children.
In tandem with these overarching standards, HIQA developed specific National Standards for Children’s Social Services. HIQA recognises the importance of increasing the quality and safety of care for all children, especially children who are at risk in the community, or who are living away from their families in the care of the State. The standards for children’s social services are for all children who are using children’s social services and they apply at all points of the child’s engagement with these services. The intention is that these standards will replace existing national standards for individual services, that is, national standards for foster care, protection and welfare of children, special care units and children’s residential centres. The standards support staff working with children who are at risk or who are in the care of the State to understand how their work can support positive outcomes for children and their families in the short, medium and long-term.
The National Standards for Children’s Social Services have been informed by an evidence review and engagement with key stakeholders including children and families with experience of these services, advocates, staff responsible for the safety and wellbeing of children from a wide range of sectors, and policy-makers.
Evidence review to inform the National Standards for Children’s Social Services
This evidence review summarises current practice in Ireland, best practice internationally, and research evidence to identify characteristics of good child-centred practices for children engaged in children’s social services. Key themes which emerged in relation to best practice for effective child services included participation, safety and wellbeing, strengthening families and communities, accountable services, and responsive services.
Stakeholder involvement report informing the National Standards for Children’s Social Services
HIQA undertook extensive stakeholder engagement as part of the standards development process. This report outlines the stakeholder involvement conducted. It describes who we engaged with, how we engaged with them, their feedback and how this feedback informed the development of the standards.