The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has today published an inspection report on the Child and Family Agency’s (Tusla’s) foster care services in the Mayo service area.

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 and 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 foster care services in the Mayo service area between 4 and 6 July 2023.

Of the seven standards assessed, three were compliant and four were substantially compliant. Overall, the inspection found that the service promoted children’s rights and family contact. Assessments of children’s needs were timely and of good quality. However, improvements were needed in helping the children to develop their sense of identity.

The area experienced challenges in matching children with foster carers, as the pool of foster carers was limited. The low availability of foster carers resulted in lack of long-term foster care placements. There were fostering recruitment and retention strategies in place to address these issues.

Children’s rights in relation to participation and decision-making were respected and promoted by staff. Children were asked for their opinion and they were supported to give their views about their care. They were encouraged to be independent in a way that was consistent with their age, stage of development and ability. 

The experience of foster carers was positive and they reported feeling supported. Parents were consulted about their children’s care and felt they were well cared for. There was a good range of training for foster carers. However, there was limited involvement of foster carers in promoting and recruiting potential new foster carers in the service area.

This inspection report and compliance plan can be found by following the link below.