The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has today published a report on Crannog Nua Special Care Unit. Special care units are secure residential units for children aged 11 years to 17 years. Children are placed in a special care unit by a court when their behaviour poses a risk of harm to their life, health, safety, development or welfare, and the placement is needed for the child’s care and protection. 

HIQA inspects against the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Children in Special Care units) Regulations 2017 and the National Standards for Special Care Units, which apply to special care units in Ireland. 

An unannounced inspection was carried out in September 2022. The purpose of the inspection was to assess whether the special care unit was in compliance with the regulations, with a focus on the governance of the service, and their management of risk and child protection.

Overall, children living in the service were well cared for, and their safety, wellbeing and protection were a priority for the staff team. Children’s interests and hobbies were encouraged, and children were supported to take part in activities off site, where appropriate. The service was found to have a good level of compliance in relation to the quality and safety of the care provided to children. The service had systems in place to ensure that children living in the centre had opportunties to exercise choice and autonomy over their daily lives.

Inspectors found that allegations or suspicions of abuse and neglect made by children were reported in line with the requirements of Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017). Where safety plans were required to keep children safe, in response to concerns or allegations made, these were robust and effective.

The provider had strong reporting systems in place, and there was a focus on learning from incidents and events across the staff and management teams. Inspectors found that the service had clearly defined management structures in place. There were clear lines of accountability across the service from staff through to the management team. Staff in the service were aware of their delegated responsibilities, and there were good communication systems in place. Inspectors found that the provider had adequate staffing in place to be able to deliver a safe service, and meet the number and needs of the children living in the centre. However, improvements were required to ensure that staff supervision consistently took place in line with Tusla policy. 

Improvements were required to ensure that the risk management systems in place were effective. The provider had failed to identify the risks associated with admitting a child who did not meet the criteria for admission to the service, in line with the statement of purpose. While the provider had ensured that the child was provided with the appropriate supports to meet their needs following admission, they did not identify the risks associated with a breach of one of the conditions of their registration. Improvements were also required in relation to the governance and oversight of the fire safety procedures in the service.



The provider has submitted a plan outlining how it intends to come into full compliance. The report and compliance plan are available

at the link below.