Children’s homes run by untrained staff

AN INSPECTION of homes for children in State care has found a lack of suitably qualified staff, poor vetting procedures and youngsters on medication for psychiatric problems.

The annual Social Services Inspectorate (SSI) report, published today, found just one-fifth of staff had a recognised Department of Health and Children (DOHC) qualification and almost half were temporary.

Irish Association of Social Care Workers co-ordinator John Byrne said they were dismayed numbers holding the minimum National Diploma in Social Care had dropped, from 25% in 2001 to 22% in 2003.