Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 July 2021
97. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the public consultation process relative to the proposed national standards for children’s services; if he plans to have a separate standard for foster care similar to the 2003 document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30595/21]
View answerI am informed by Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) that while the recent public consultation has been completed there is ongoing consultation with HIQA's Advisory Board to the development of the draft standards. When this process is completed, HIQA will present the draft National Standards for Children’s Social Services for consideration and approval by the Minister for Health and myself. The standards must be accepted and approved by both Ministers before being implemented.??
HIQA's proposed draft National Standards for Children’s Social Services encompass foster care, residential care, special care, and child protection and welfare services. The current National Standards for Foster Care have been in place since 2003. It is important that standards are reviewed from time to time in order that they remain fit for purpose. It is also important that all stakeholders have confidence in them. The draft national standards are underpinned by four principles of human rights, safety and wellbeing, responsiveness and accountability. If approved it is HIQA's intention that they will replace the individual standards for each of the service functions currently in place for each sector.
Foster carers are an essential component to the care provided to children in state care and I am committed to ensuring their voice is heard in the development of new standards. My officials are actively engaged with HIQA on this issue.
New standards do not change existing legislation and therefore have no impact on any legal rights or duties of foster carers under the Child Care Acts, Children First legislation and guidance, or any new legislation under consideration. Legislation and regulations supersede standards in all sectors. Standards set out expectations for services and provide guidance for all parties in the delivery of services.
