HSE fails to meet its childcare standard

THE HSE is continuing to use unapproved foster carers for children who have been removed from their homes over child abuse or neglect fears.

According to an internal performance report, 16.5% of children are with carers not approved by a foster care panel — despite statutory obligations to do so.

The HSE’s children and family services have also failed to assess almost one third of the 4,000 children referred to it during the first nine months of this year suspected of suffering abuse and neglect within its own 24-hour timeframe. This is the time during which a preliminary inquiry should be carried out. Crucially, it is on foot of this inquiry that a social worker determines the urgency of a response.