Tusla Statement on HIQA inspection report for a children’s residential centre in the West region

Tusla – Child and Family Agency welcomes today’s publication of HIQA inspection report on a children’s residential centre in the West region. Eight standards were inspected and the centre was found to be fully compliant in all standards.

The inspection report noted that children in the centre felt cared for and supported, and had built trusting relationships with the staff team. Children in the centre were encouraged to participate in the development of the programme of care, which was individualised to the needs of each young person.

While Covid-19 had impacted on the range of children’s activities outside of the centre, a number of alternative activities and projects were put in place, including projects that promoted inclusiveness and children’s rights.

Some of the findings were that:

• The centre had effective leadership, governance and management structures in place, with good communication between managers and staff.
• There was a strong culture of review and learning in the centre with ongoing audits of different aspects of the service, which inspectors noted had clearly made a positive impact on the service.
• There were regular opportunities for children in the centre to consult with staff and air their opinions and views through a variety of forums, including weekly meetings.
• Family members were well informed in the care and treatment programmes for the children, and they told inspectors that they always felt welcome when visiting the centre.
• The children spoke positively of their engagement with their keyworkers, telling inspectors that there was always someone available to talk to.
• Risks, including those relating to Covid-19, were well managed with effective contingency planning in place.

Speaking about the report, Donal McCormack, National Service Director, Residential Childcare Services, Tusla said:

“We welcome the findings within this report, which highlighted the good work of managers and staff in this centre to create a supportive environment that was inclusive for the young people. The report also noted the centre’s continuous efforts to further improve and enhance the service. Importantly, the children were encouraged to contribute and be active participants in their care and the decisions that affect them.”   

Tusla receives consistent and high quality regulation and oversight, by various external bodies including HIQA. This oversight assists us in ensuring that our practices deliver good quality, timely and appropriate interventions and services for children. Provision of alternative care for some children is very complex due to the level of trauma they have experienced in their lives. Improving the quality of that care set against high standards and regulation is a continuous process, and while we are aware that we have further work to do, the positive findings in this report are most welcome.