The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has today published an inspection report on the non-statutory foster care service operated by Origins Foster Care, an independent private provider of respite, short-term and long-term foster care services. Placements with Origins Foster Care are commissioned by the Child and Family Agency’s (Tulsa’s) service area teams.

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 foster care services provided by Tusla, to report on its findings to the Minister and to inspect services taking care of a child on behalf of Tusla, including non-statutory providers of foster care. HIQA monitors foster care services against the 2003 National Standards for Foster Care.

HIQA conducted an inspection of Origins Foster Care from 11 to 14 April 2023. This was the third inspection of the non-statutory service by HIQA since 2019. On this inspection, HIQA found that all of the eight national standards assessed were compliant.

This inspection found that there were strong governance arrangements and structures to ensure the delivery of a high-quality service. The management team had implemented effective systems to manage and monitor the service and to ensure the service was safe and effective. The service had clear and robust systems in place to promote the safety of children in all aspects of service provision. Critical incidents, such as child protection concerns and serious concerns, were responded to and reported in a timely manner. To improve this process further, the provider should review how they document joint child protection and welfare reports and reflect this in their child protection policy.

Origins Foster Care had policies and procedures in place to promote the effective and safe delivery of their service. These were reviewed in a timely manner and policies were updated in line with legislation, regulations and standards. All foster carers had a link worker and received regular supervision. There were high levels of support, advice and information provided to foster carers which led to good retention. Origins Foster Care had a learning and development policy in place. The provider supported foster carers to participate in training and made it accessible to them.

Origins Foster Care had a culture of learning and was always striving to improve the service. The provider worked collaboratively with foster carers, children and external agencies. Children’s rights were at the core of service development. For example, Origins Foster Care had devised a child participation strategy. There was a children’s consultation process in place where children were asked for their views on the service. Some children had also helped to update the information booklet for children and young people. The provider’s approach to matching children with foster carers had a human rights focus. Matching was based on a comprehensive assessment of both children’s needs and of the carer’s ability to meet those needs.

The inspection report can be found at the link below.