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 North East 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 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 unannounced inspection of the centre in the Dublin North East region over two days in December 2022. This inspection was a routine inspection to monitor the quality of the service and the level of compliance with the national standards. The inspection assessed nine of the national standards and found that seven standards assessed were compliant and two were substantially compliant. 



Good governance and oversight structures were in place to provide a safe service to young people. The staff team were experienced, knowledgeable and competent in implementing practices which focused on meeting the individual needs of young people with a particular emphasis on promoting young people’s right to participate fully in their placement. 



Young people experienced a good quality of life in the centre which respected and supported their developmental needs, cultural background and religious beliefs. Staff treated young people in response to their respective needs, with appropriate and thoughtful care planning. Staff ensured young people’s participation and voice to realise their full potential.



The centre was spacious and comfortable with ample communal space as well as space for privacy for children. The health and safety of young people was promoted by the service. However, there were some low risk maintenance issues that required further action.



Improvement was also required in relation to the centre’s statement of purpose so as to ensure a more accurate description of the service being provided.



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



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