Report shows 'deficiencies' in Cork city foster care services

An inspection of foster care services in Cork city and County has found that safeguarding and child protection standards were not met in full.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) report, published today, found deficiencies in relation to the social worker's role, as well as shortfalls in recruitment and retention of foster carers.

HIQA also found that relative foster carers were not being assessed, or not being assessed quickly enough.

One third of the almost 700 children in foster care in Cork were placed with relatives and HIQA said it was concerned to find delays in the assessment of these carers.

These delays are in breach of child care regulations and inspectors are recommending that this is addressed as a matter of priority.