The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has today published an inspection report on the non-statutory foster care service operated by Foster Care Ireland (FCI), an independent private provider of respite, short-term and long-term foster care services. Placements with Foster Care Ireland are commissioned by Tusla 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 services taking care of a child on behalf of the Child and Family Agency (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 Ireland from 20 – 22 September 2022. This was the third inspection of the non-statutory service by HIQA since 2018. In this inspection, HIQA found that all of the seven national standards assessed were compliant.

This inspection found that Foster Care Ireland’s governance and management arrangements were effective and ensured accountability for the delivery of a safe and child-centred service. The culture and provision of the service was informed by the voice and experiences of foster carers and the children placed with them.

Assessments of prospective foster carers were comprehensive and of good quality and were completed in a timely manner. A high standard of support and supervision was provided to foster carers and there was good communication and appropriate information sharing between the link worker and the child’s social worker. Appropriate training opportunities were provided to equip foster carers with the skills and knowledge required to provide safe and effective care. Foster carer reviews were comprehensive and of good quality and outcomes were notified to the relevant Tusla Foster Care Committee. 

Safeguarding systems were in place and appropriate actions were taken to ensure that children and young people placed with foster carers in the service were protected from abuse and neglect. Concerns, allegations and complaints about foster carers were responded to and were managed appropriately, in line with Children First. 

The inspection report can be found at the link below.