HIQA undertakes inspection of foster care services against the National Standards for Foster Care, under Section 69 of the Child Care Act 1991. The purpose of foster care inspections is to review compliance with regulations and standards for all children. HIQA's inspection methodology includes interviewing HSE managers and social workers, a sample of children, carers and birth parents and review a range of files, including complaints.
Foster care services in the HSE Dublin North West Area have been inspected by HIQA on three occasions since September 2009, most recently in October 2012. Progress was noted particularly in the area of foster care assessment, approval and training with all general foster carers approved and significant improvements in the area of relative foster carers. Some 96% of children in foster care had been visited by a social worker within the preceding six months. Notwithstanding such progress, I was concerned to note that inspectors found that some deficits identified previously had not been rectified. Allegations made against a small number of foster carers had not been fully resolved. Inspectors found that there were inadequacies in systems to assess risk and to investigate and take timely action in response to concerns. File keeping, data collection and analysis were also found to be lacking.
The inspection also found that sufficient foster carers have not been recruited within the area. This has provided difficulties in making placements and matching children with particular needs with the most suitable carers. Recruitment of foster carers is of concern more generally. It is intended to conduct a national recruitment campaign in the coming months. An Action Plan to address the weaknesses identified was prepared by HIQA. In order to ensure the Action Plan is fully implemented, I have asked the HSE to set up a high-level oversight process to be led by the Head of Quality Assurance to ensure implementation of all the HIQA recommendations. This group is now established and includes Dr. Valerie O'Brien of UCD who has researched extensively in the area foster care. The group will report to me on progress on a monthly basis. I expect to receive the first of these reports shortly. Recently, I met Mr. Gordon Jeyes, who is Chief Executive Designate of the Child and Family Support Agency, to review the actions under way to address the critical issues identified.
