An inspection report into child protection services in Roscommon-Galway found staffing issues are impacting the care being provided.
Hiqa carried out an inspection into Tusla's management of Child Protection and Welfare Services earlier this year, noting the service provided was effective for the most part.
The focus of this inspection was on the service provided to children listed on the Child Protection Notification System (CPNS) who were subject to a child protection safety plan,
Of six standards inspected, five were found to be fully compliant or substantially compliant, and one further standard was found to be moderately non-compliant. Inspectors noted that eight WTE social work vacancies, one WTE team leader and one WTE senior social work vacancy on the child protection and welfare team.
The area manager acknowledged that while he was assured that children and families were receiving a safe service, the staff vacancies across the child protection and welfare team had an impact on social workers' ability to meet with children. Inspectors also noted that there were delays in completing and uploading the required forms onto the child's file, and challenges in service provision in the area had resulted in the needs of a child with complex needs not being met.
Responding to the report, John Donnellan, Area Manager for Galway/Roscommon, Tusla said: "this inspection report highlights many examples of the good work done by Tusla staff in Galway and Roscommon on a day-to-day basis, but they are also aware that we have further work to do to ensure that children and their families continue to receive a safe and effective service in Galway and Roscommon."
