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 West region.

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.

HIQA conducted this unannounced inspection over two days in June 2023. 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 and realised. Of the eight standards assessed, seven were found to be compliant and one was substantially compliant.

Overall, the service provided was high quality, child centred and actively promoted children’s rights. Respite visits were carefully planned to maximise opportunities for children to meet with their siblings and friends. Programmes of care reflected children’s individual and diverse needs and were responsive to their age and understanding. The staff team sought to provide a safe and supportive environment where children could have fun while also helping them to deal with past trauma and loss.

The service was well led and well managed. It had clear systems and governance arrangements in place to provide safe and effective care. Management had strong oversight of the delivery of care and encouraged continual service improvement. Staff prioritised teamwork and supported partnerships between children, their families, foster carers and other professionals. However, there had been lengthy delays in addressing issues relating to inadequate space within the building to meet the ongoing expansion needs of the service.

The values of the service were clearly set out in its annual plan and were further explored in policies and procedures. These aimed to ensure that the input and needs of every child were placed at the heart of organisational activity. Management and case records of children reflected the high standards of practice set out in organisational policies, including promotion of children’s rights.

Following the inspection, management submitted a satisfactory compliance plan to address the one standard deemed substantially compliant.

The inspection report and compliance plan can be found at the link below.