Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2022
674. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the Health Information and Quality Authority is satisfied in relation to the optimum care guaranteed to children who are placed in hotel and unregulated accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37569/22]
View answerThe functions of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) are defined in legislation, and principally in the Health Act 2007. HIQA’s functions in relation to Tusla include inspection of Tusla’s child protection and welfare services to measure their compliance with the National Standards for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2012) and their implementation of Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017).
HIQA also have a role in relation to the registration and inspection of designated centres, including children’s residential centres and special care units. HIQA monitor and inspect against any relevant regulations and standards, and their reports are published.
In relation to the general question of the optimum care of children in the care of the State, Tusla is committed to ensuring that all children and young people who can no longer live with their parents or guardian at a particular time, are provided with a safe alternative care placement. Tusla has advised that their Practice Assurance and Monitoring Teams operating under the Quality Assurance Directorate is responsible for conducting Tusla’s practice audit activity in accordance with the PASM Annual Audit Plan and Audit Charter.
The PASM Team is responsible for ensuring that services are delivered in line with the requisite standards, regulations and legislative requirements, and that service improvements are achieved in line with the recommendations of the Agency’s oversight bodies.
All children have the right to be cared for, fulfil their potential and be protected from harm. Tusla is committed to promoting safe practice in all areas of alternative care. Safe practice is defined as the implementation of appropriate safeguarding measures necessary for working with young people in a manner which acknowledges their need to live in as normal an environment as possible. Tusla has comprehensive processes in place for ensuring the quality and safety of care provided to children in its care.
Regular auditing of cases/files are carried out the local areas by Team Leaders and Principal Social Workers to ensure a high-quality service is being provided and to identify and address any shortcomings or deviations in practice.
In relation to children in state care in hotel and other emergency accommodation, Tusla has stated that ensuring that the children and young people in the care of Tusla are in the appropriate care placement, with the appropriate support services, is an enduring priority for Tusla, in order to enable the best possible outcomes for every child.
