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Health Information and Quality Authority
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is an independent Authority established in May 2007 under the Health Act, 2007. HIQA undertakes its functions pursuant to, the Health Act 2007 and other relevant legislation (the Child Care Act, 1991 and the Children Act, 2001) and reports to the Minister for Health.
In relation to children in care and in need of protection, the Social Services Inspectorate section of HIQA undertakes the inspection of Health Service Executive (HSE) residential centres, special care units and foster care services. It also inspects the Children Detention Schools. These inspections are carried out against national standards. HIQA are responsible for the development of standards and in July 2012, HIQA published National Standards for the Protection and Welfare of Children.
Inspection Reports
HIQA Protection and Welfare of Childrens Standards
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) was established under the Health Act, 2007. This Act also provides for HIQA to set standards on safety and quality and to monitor compliance with these standards. Child Protection and Welfare Standards were developed by HIQA in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders and the general public. These standards were approved by the Minister and launched in July 2012.
The standards focus on how the HSE Child and Family Services undertake their statutory responsibility in relation to children at risk and how they implement Children First.
HIQA undertook its first inspection of the Health Service Executive Children and Families Services Child Protection Services in late 2012 against the standards.
National Standards for the Protection and Welfare of Children (July 2012)
Your Guide to the National Standards for the Protection and Welfare of Children (July 2012)
Press Release for the launch of the National Standards for the Protection and Welfare of Children (25th July 2012)
Minister Fitzgerald's Speech at launch of the National Standards for the Protection and Welfare of Children (25th July 2012)
For further information on the new Child Protection and Welfare Standards - please see www.hiqa.ie/publications/national-standards-protection-and-welfare-children
