The National Standards for the Protection and Welfare of Children have been developed by the Health Information and Quality Authority (the Authority) to support continuous improvements in the care and protection of children in receipt of HSE child protection and welfare services. These outcome-based Standards provide a framework for the development of child-centred services in Ireland that protect children and promote their welfare. The Health Act 2007 establishes a statutory function for the setting of standards by the Authority.

The Standards are designed to follow a child’s journey within the child protection system to ensure that his/her safety and welfare is being protected. Along that journey children will need to be supported through the provision of accessible information, access to services, screening of referrals, assessment to ensure that appropriate services are made available, and the taking of timely action to protect children at risk of harm. This is underpinned by child-focused planning and review and monitoring processes. It requires a systematic approach involving good leadership, interagency cooperation, skilled and experienced staff, and the effective management and deployment of resources – with the child always at the centre of everything that is done.

The Standards:
Theme 1: Child-centred Services
Theme 2: Safe and Effective Services
Theme 3: Leadership, Governance and Management
Theme 4: Use of Resources
Theme 5: Workforce
Theme 6: Use of Information