Watchdog cites HSE child residential unit for ‘time away’ policy

A children’s residential unit run by the HSE in the Munster area has been criticised over the practices used to manage challenging behaviour of young people in its care.

The latest inspection report on the centre by officials from the Health Information and Quality Authority expressed concern about the use of a “time away” approach to manage unruly behaviour.

The practice involves allowing a child to take time out of their standard routine to reflect on an issue. However, the centre invoked the procedure to place children in “single separation”.

Hiqa officials sought assurances from the HSE that the centre would refrain immediately from using its “time away” practice. In one instance, it had been used on a child for a period of up to two-and-a-half hours.

It also asked the HSE to carry out a review of the impact of the practice on one specific child who had been placed in “time away”.

The inspection team found that significant improvement was required in relation to a number of issues, including the purpose and function of the centre.

They claimed the use of “time away”, which saw children placed in a “cell-type environment”, had a negative impact on them.

In some instances, the decision to inform a child they were being placed in “time away” triggered negative behaviour and resulted in them being restrained.

Hiqa inspectors also found the physical space in which children were placed was not suitable as rooms had no furniture, locked doors and windows and viewing panels on the door.

Hiqa said there was no learning or improvements noted from the use of “time away,” despite the existence of an internal system to review such events.

“Some of the centre’s managing behaviour practices and policies were out of date and impacted negatively on children’s rights,” found the Hiqa report.

It claimed a ratings system where children earned points for good behaviour which could be used for staying up late or earning extra pocket money was not effective, particularly in relation to children with challenging behaviour, and out of line with modern childcare practices.

The unannounced inspection on Oct 11 last year had been triggered by anonymous information received by Hiqa in relation to the care and welfare of children at the centre.

There were 10 young people living in the centre with another three attending the on-site school.

Hiqa also considered a revised statement of purpose and function furnished by the centre just weeks before the inspection insufficient to meet its standards.