Watchdog set to inspect children and family services

The country’s children and family services will for the first time undergo independent inspection and monitoring by Hiqa after the watchdog yesterday unveiled details of its new inspection regime.

The Health Information and Quality Authority said the measures would result in better child protection and welfare systems for vulnerable children and come a week after a Hiqa audit that showed serious shortcomings in two HSE areas.

One inspection has already taken place and others are planned, with Hiqa stating that each of the 32 local health areas will be inspected at least once every three years. The result of the first child protection and welfare inspection report from Hiqa will be published in the coming weeks.