Tusla statement re HIQA foster care service inspection report for Mayo

Tusla-Child and Family Agency notes the publication today of the HIQA inspection report in relation to foster care services in Mayo, carried out in February this year.

HIQA highlighted many positive aspects of the foster care system in Mayo, including:

Children reported they were happy with the foster care service they received

• All of the children in the area had an allocated social worker
• Care plans were of good quality and set out arrangements made in relation to the child’s placement, their education and health needs, supports required by the child and their foster carers, and the child’s contact with their birth family.
• Inspectors found that there were good governance processes in place for the management of allegations and serious concerns against foster carers.
• Children who spoke to inspectors spoke positively about the aftercare workers and the service they provided.
• Assessment of need and aftercare plans were comprehensive and centred on the needs of the child, and children were involved in completing the documents

While overall the service was good, HIQA also identified areas for improvement, including increased management oversight regarding the timely de-activation of children from the child protection notification system and ensuring that all children received the results from their child-in-care reviews. These areas will be addressed by a service improvement plan.

Commenting on the report, Paddy Martin, Area Manager, Tusla Mayo, said:

“The HIQA inspection report into our fostering services highlights the commitment of the Tusla staff, foster carers, children and young people in Mayo, our partner agencies, families and communities to delivering an effective service.

As well as the many areas of good practice,  we also address areas where improvement is required and make the necessary improvements - as well as ensuring that good practise is maintained to ensure that children and foster families in Mayo receive the best possible service.”