What’s an inspection?

An inspection is a visit by inspectors who will talk to young people and staff about what it is like to live in a residential centre.  They also talk to the parents of the young people. 

Who are the inspectors?

Inspectors are people whose job it is to visit all foster homes and Children’s Residential Centres to make sure that young people are being cared for safely and well. 

Do Inspectors Work For The HSE?

No, they are an independent service set up by the government. There are also Monitors who do work for the HSE and also look at residential centres. They make sure the place is up to standard and that you are being looked after properly.

What do inspectors do?

Inspectors do not inspect young people, they check to see how well the young people are cared for by foster carers, staff and social workers.

Here’s what they want to know:

• If you are being looked after properly.
• If you are involved in decisions about your life and your future.
• If you are listened to and your opinions taken seriously.
• If the things that need to be done for you are happening.
• If you and your family are treated with respect. 
• If you are treated the same as your friends.
• If there is anything you are unhappy with about the centre and would like to see changed. 
  
  

What will inspectors do with what young people tell them?

They write a report saying what they found, and what changes if any need to be made.                                                                              

Nothing written in the report will name any young person.                                                                                                        

A copy of the report is sent to your foster carers or the residential centre’s manager and the HSE.                                                      

A short report is also sent to you. 

What happens after the report is published?

After 4 weeks, the HSE gives the Department of Health & Children a plan that says how the changes that are recommended in the report will be made.                                                                                                                   

Some changes can be made right away and some take more time.                                                                                    

The Department of Health & Children and the inspectors follow up with the HSE until all changes are made. 

How do you have your say?

The inspectors like to meet and talk with you during their visit to your foster home or centre. 
Inspectors are very interested in hearing what you have to say, because no one knows better than you what living in your home is really like.

Need more information?

Social service Inspectorate is part of HIQA.

Check out the website:  http://www.hiqa.ie/

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