Ireland
This meta-analysis report is designed to
highlight many of the flaws of the system in
which some of our most vulnerable children find
themselves in. However, it is also offers a range
of recommendations which aim to account for the
systemic root causes of these recurring problems.
The Ombudsman for Children’s Office has been
investigating issues relating to children in care
for 10 years and, in light of the re-organisation of
children’s services, sought to provide an overview
of the repetitive issues and their root causes so
that the new agency, Tusla could benefit from our
systemic recommendations. It was in this spirit that
we engaged with Tusla and we are very pleased to
present, within this report, their response to our
recommendations.
The majority of recommendations have been
addressed and Tusla are clearly working toward a
positive response in each area. This office recognises
that they have committed to implementing a Record
Management Policy in this quarter (Q1, 2014),
they are to develop a comprehensive strategic plan
for residential care which will address purpose,
provision, practice and performance and they are
creating a policy on Corporate Parenting in 2014
which will have cross departmental support. Each of
these promised actions by the newly formed Child
and Family Agency will allow the Oireachtas to
measure Tusla’s progress and provide a baseline for
improvements which we all hope to see for this small
but extremely vulnerable cohort of children.
Emily Logan