Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2021
308. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which his Department continues to meet any necessary requirements in respect of deficiencies in the protection of children in care or as reported at home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49005/21]
View answerTusla, the Child and Family Agency, is the statutory body with responsibility for child protection and welfare services.
Tusla has a dedicated Quality Assurance Team which produces monthly, quarterly and annual reports in respect of Tusla's functions, including detailed reporting on child safety and protection services. The reports are published on Tusla's website and are scrutinised by my officials. Issues of note are brought to my attention. The reports provide statistical evidence of improvements to child welfare and protection services and highlight challenges and areas where further improvement is required, such as the recruitment of additional social workers.
Additionally, Tusla child protection and welfare, and alternative care services are inspected against the relevant Standards and Regulations by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). These inspection reports are also published, and the findings used to inform the development and improvement of services within Tusla.
HIQA carries out announced and unannounced inspections of children’s services including Child Protection and Welfare Services, Foster Care Services, Children’s Residential Centres and Special Care units. In addition, HIQA has a programme of thematic and overview reports, which assess Tusla at a whole-service level. Inspections include reviews of on-site files, interviews with staff and service users and their families.
Following an inspection, HIQA shares its initial judgements and draft report with the service/area. HIQA then works with the management of the centre or area in order to agree an Action Plan to address any identified deficits. Final reports, including the area or service’s Action Plans, are submitted to the Department for information and monitored by my officials. Most inspections are generally positive, and reflect both examples of good practice and dedicated staff. However, some reports identify challenges within individual areas, including the impact of staffing shortages, and difficulties in finding appropriate placements for children and young people.
Officials from my Department meet Tusla management on a regular basis to review the level of service provision, including areas in need of improvement.
