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 conducted this unannounced inspection over two days in June 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, two were found to be not compliant, four were substantially compliant and six were compliant.  

The provider had clear governance structures in place with clear lines of accountability which supported the delivery of a child-centred service. There was a culture of learning and quality improvement in the centre. Staff were supported in their roles and the centre had sufficient staffing levels to meet the needs of young people. Young people were consulted to exercise choice on what activities they participated in and their views were represented. Young people’s health, education and skills for life after care were effectively promoted and they were supported to maintain relationships with people who were important to them.

However, risks were not adequately identified and managed in the centre and overall oversight and governance of the management of risk required strengthening. There were gaps in the identification of child protection risks and not all child protection concerns had been notified as required in line with Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017). There was a lack of recognition of the potential for cumulative harm associated with behaviours or actions by young people which significantly compromised their safety. 

In addition, young people’s files did not have all of the required documentation and the quality of safety plans for young people also required improvement. 

The centre complied with fire safety legislation and had an up-to-date safety statement. 

Following the inspection, the provider submitted a satisfactory compliance plan to address the issues identified during the inspection. 

Note

• 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 the Child and Family Agency (Tusla). HIQA monitors Tusla’s performance against the National Standards for Children’s Residential Centres and advises the Minister and Tusla.