Action plan to address foster care shortcomings in Louth

Tusla has put in place a comprehensive action plan to address the issues raised in the recent HIQA Inspection Report into Fostering Services in the Louth/Meath area, it has been revealed.

Addressing some of the issues raised in the report Tusla said that of the 217 foster carer households in Louth /Meath, 13 did not have an allocated link social worker at the time of inspection but have now been allocated a link social worker.

The agency said it is securing updated Garda vetting for all foster carers where this was not the case at the time of the inspection and this will be completed by 31st July.

All foster carers who have not attended Children First (2011) training will receive training at one of four training sessions in the area or on an individual basis by the end of September. In addition, a HSE/Tusla interagency forum for children with complex needs has been established in the area in line with the joint protocol for interagency collaboration between the HSE and Tusla.

Tusla also revealed that updated Garda vetting for members of the foster care committee has been submitted to the Garda Vetting Unit.

The ISPCC has welcomed the comprehensive action plan put in place by Tusla to address the findings highlighted in the report. Interim ISPCC CEO, Caroline O’Sullivan said: ‘Many of these findings are similar to those that have been highlighted in previous inspection reports and we welcome the comprehensive action plan produced in response to the inspections. It is vital that they are implemented in full in the recommended timeframe. Commenting on the inspection’s findings, Patricia Finlay, Dublin Mid Leinster Service Director, Tusla, said: ‘HIQA inspections are an important measurement and oversight tool for us in Tusla and allow us to ensure that our services operate at the highest possible standard. These inspection reports identify that services prioritise the safety of children in foster care and ensure children and foster carers are well supported by social workers and have access to additional supports in the community and specific services funded in the areas. “In each inspection, one area of major non-compliance was identified in relation to reviews of foster carers. We have set out a timetable for the completion of foster carer reviews in each area and we will update HIQA regularly on our progress. Tusla remains committed to improving our compliance with the national standards for foster care and in conjunction with HIQA we have created and begun to implement an action plan in response to the reports.’