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 Dublin Mid Leinster 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 July 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 and realised. Of the 12 standards assessed, 11 were found to be compliant and one was found to be substantially compliant. 

The provider had effective leadership, governance and management arrangements in place with clear lines of accountability to deliver child-centred, safe and effective care and support to children availing of respite there. The staff team was child-centred in its approach to care and the team protected and promoted both children’s rights and their welfare. This led to positive experiences for the children and all of those spoken with by the inspector, reported to enjoying their time in the centre.

Children were safeguarded from abuse and neglect by staff in the centre. The centre operated in line with relevant policies and procedures and staff were trained and aware of their responsibility to report child protection concerns, in line with Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017). 

Staff were well supported by their manager and received supervision which enabled them to reflect on their practices. However, not all staff received regular supervision and records of supervision required improvement. 

Following the inspection, management submitted a satisfactory compliance plan to address the issue identified during the inspection.