The information has been submitted by the centre and describes the service they provide. Our aim is to provide a residential setting wherein children/young people live, are cared for, supported and valued. Our objective is to provide a high standard of care and support in accordance with evidence based best practice, in a manner that ensures each child’s safety and wellbeing and enables them to access the supports and interventions necessary to address the circumstances of their admission to the unit. This is achieved through a supportive, nurturing and holistic living environment that promotes wellbeing, safety, rights, education and community involvement. The centre provides medium or long term residential care to young people in a multi occupancy setting who require therapeutic interventions to address vulnerabilities and behaviours of concern. The centre works in conjunction with other professionals and has access to a psychologist. The staff team encourage positive attachments and build relationships to provide a therapeutic environment for young people in order that they can learn new skills to live successfully in the community. A safety planning and risk management model is an integral element of the programme. A young person is eligible for this service where they have been identified by TUSLA as in need of care and protection.

P.10 From a review of the centre’s log of significant event notifications, there were records of 44 incidents reported during the five months prior to the inspection. Episodes of missing in care were not a significant risk factor from the information recorded and reported by staff and management. Some children for whom there were ongoing risks identified had extended periods of free time and children were not being adequately supported to address these in a way which would promote their health and safety. Not all incidents of staff recording the smell of cannabis within in the centre or the impact on the residents for each time this happened was recorded and acted upon. This meant that it was unclear to the staff team what should be reported as a significant event and what actions were required when this occurred. Eight incidents were recorded as relating to drug or alcohol use. Records indicated staff sought guidance about how to manage the presenting risks. From the sample reviewed during the inspection, reported incidents were responded to when there was clear guidance and support by management. For example, for one incident on-call management support informed staff about contacting An Garda Síochána and another incident led to the completion room searches. However, as outlined, not all incidents were reported...

[2 other reports are available on the HIQA website]