Tusla report: Concerns raised over placement of children with individuals who have not been assessed (Case Studies)

Children in need of out-of-home care are still being placed with individuals who have not been assessed, despite previous criticism of the practice by the health watchdog, the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa).

In its overview of reports on child deaths 2010-2014, the National Review Panel (NRP) highlighted the use of “informal placements with non-assessed individuals and families”, albeit in a minority of cases. The NRP said reviews found placements were made “without sufficient forethought” and that they did not meet the children’s needs in some cases, and that carers did not always get the support they required.

“The NRP is aware of the efforts made first by the HSE and later by Tusla to address this issue after it was highlighted by Hiqa,” the NRP said.