Report finds shortfalls in care of vulnerable children

A report on children in care has found serious deficits in standards aimed at safeguarding vunerable children.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQUA) report identifies lapses in vetting procedures for staff and foster carers and in some instances a lack of proper training.

There are around 5,500 children in care in Ireland, nearly 90% of whom are in foster care.

The report says it is a matter of serious concern that many staff working with children have not been cleared by gardaí and this causes children in care to be placed at unnecessary risk.

"Over two-thirds of relative foster carers (who are relatives of the children they are caring for) in the HSE region reviewed had not being comprehensively vetted by the HSE, as required under foster care regulations and standards," said Dr Marion Witton, Chief Inspector of Social Services.

"Such a practice is unsafe."

Dr Witton said that the Authority has requested the Board of the HSE to nominate a National Director to be accountable for developing and implementing an action plan against the recommendations in the Authority's Report.