Tusla says it welcomes yesterday’s publication of a HIQA inspection report on a children’s residential centre located in the Dublin North East Region.
Of eight standards inspected by HIQA, seven were found to be fully compliant while a further standard was found to be substantially compliant.
In a statement, Tusla said:
“Overall, the inspection report described a well-run centre that provided a safe and good quality service.
“The centre was led by an experienced management team, and there was a consistent and motivated staffing team.
“The centre management and staff team demonstrated a high level of commitment to the care of the young people and their individual needs.
“Young people living in the centre provided positive accounts about the care they received, telling inspectors they felt safe and supported by staff “around the clock.”
“Inspectors found that young people were listened to and encouraged to be involved in the day-to-day running of the centre and in making decisions about the care they received. The report noted that the staff team was proactive and innovative in providing care to the young people and ensured the young people could pursue hobbies and activities they enjoyed.
“A parent, Guardian Ad Litem, and social workers who spoke to inspectors were also complimentary of the staff team. They emphasised that the staff team was creative and innovative in providing care to young people and that the therapeutic model of care used in the centre had supported the young people to make significant positive changes in their lives.
“The report noted that managers and staff were committed to the protection and safety of young people and the centre had measures in place to promote their safety.
“The use of restrictive practices was appropriately risk assessed, recorded, and reviewed, and they were found to be implemented only as required, based on presenting risks.
“When behaviours required interventions, staff used the positive behaviour framework which was documented in young people’s case records.”
Speaking about the report, Mark Yalloway, Interim National Director, Children’s Residential Services, Tusla said: “This report demonstrates the high levels of commitment within our teams to the care of the young people they work with.
“It is clear throughout the report that the staff and children in this centre had good and respectful relationships, and that the young people were encouraged to contribute and be active participants in their care and the decisions that affect them. Importantly, the report notes that the care received by the young people had supported them to make significant positive changes in their lives.
“Tusla Children’s Residential Services works to continuously improve standards and acknowledges the hard work of staff in achieving this positive report from HIQA today.”