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 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 an inspection of the children’s residential centre in the West region over two days in August and September 2022. This inspection was a routine inspection to monitor the quality of the service and the level of compliance with the standards. The inspection assessed nine of the national standards and all nine of the standards assessed were compliant.

The inspection found that the service provided care which was tailored to the young people’s specific needs and that children were making progress. Young people were encouraged and facilitated to maintain good contact with their families and they were helped to develop skills to maintain positive healthy relationships. Young people had opportunities to participate in the decisions that concerned them and their views and wishes were listened to and respected by staff. 

This was a well-run service, staffed with a competent, experienced staff team. The service operated in line with its statement of purpose, which accurately and clearly outlines the services provided. There were good systems of governance and adequate resources in place. Workforce planning, skill-mix, training and supervision of staff were effective. 

The service provided a safe, welcoming and comfortable home for the young people and the premises was well maintained. 

The inspection report can be found at the link below.