HIQA inspection report of child protection and welfare services in Cork
Commenting on the findings of the HIQA inspection report of child protection and welfare services in Cork undertaken during October 2014 Brian Lee, Director of Quality Assurance says: “The inspection found that concerns forwarded to the service were appropriately prioritised. All concerns were screened. Children assessed at immediate risk of harm were assessed as high priority and appropriately allocated a Social Worker and acted upon by staff.
The inspection report highlights that children with the greatest need were effectively identified by the service.
“Tusla accepts that there are a number of areas which require improvement. A comprehensive Action Plan was submitted in response to the Report and is published as an integral part of the HIQA report on the service published today.
- All high risk cases have been allocated a social worker.
- A Principal Social Worker has been assigned to address and oversee the management and review of retrospective disclosures and local systems have been integrated to ensure a consistent response to such referrals.
- A national audit to review the number of cases awaiting allocation and to ensure proportionate redistribution of existing resources is currently underway.
- Recruitment of 193 social work posts underway. The issue of the time it is taking to process the panel is currently being addressed.
- A system of ongoing monitoring of implementation of improvements has been established.
- There is currently a facilities improvement programme underway to address deficits around the country.
Brian Lee added, “Tusla remains committed to constantly improving our services to ensure the best outcomes for the children in our care”.
-ENDS-
Contact Aoife Greene/Sharon Waters
087 634 8373