HIQA finds Tusla 'compliant' and and 'substantially compliant' on foster care

A HIQA report on Tusla-Child and Family Agency's foster care system in Meath and Louth found that three of the standards assesses were 'compliant' and and three 'substantially compliant' with regulations.

HIQA highlighted many positive aspects of the foster care system in the Louth/Meath area, including:

The majority of the children in the area had an allocated social worker (99%)

Children who spoke to inspectors spoke positively about their social workers and the service they provided.

Social workers demonstrated their commitment to hearing the voice of children in their discussions with inspectors.

The service area had a good matching process in place to ensure children were placed with foster carers who had the capacity to meet their needs

Assessments of need were carried out on all children placed in foster care and were of good quality.

Children who had complex needs and or a disability received specialist supports as required.

There was good quality care planning, coordination of services and review of these children’s needs.

The aftercare service was well managed and efficiently run. Children and young people in foster care were helped to develop the skills, knowledge and competence necessary for adult living. They were also given the support and guidance to help them attain independence on leaving care.

On the impact of Covid-19, inspectors found that:

Staff worked creatively during Covid-19 in order to maintain contact and continue supporting children by making regular telephone and video calls and sending texts.

When home visits were required, risk assessments were conducted to ensure they complied with public health advice

During the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the service developed a number of imaginative communications initiatives to stay connected with children such as, the creation of activity packs which included ‘Bake Off’ and Time Capsule challenges and recipes as well as child-friendly information about Covid-19. Social workers helped children maintain contact with their families where this was in the best interests of the child.

While overall the service was good, HIQA also identified areas for improvement, including improved management oversight of the schedule of statutory child in care reviews to ensure that all children are visited in line with the regulations and improved case record management. These will be addressed by a service improvement plan.

Commenting on the report, Grainne Sullivan, Area Manager, Tusla Louth/Meath, said:

“The HIQA inspection report into our fostering services highlights the commitment of the Tusla staff, foster carers, children and young people in Mayo, our partner agencies, families and communities to delivering an effective service.

“As well as the many areas of good practice, we also address areas where improvement is required and make the necessary improvements - as well as ensuring that good practice is maintained to ensure that children and foster families in Meath receive the best possible service.”