6 July 2010

The Irish Association of Young People in Care (IAYPIC) and the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) have published a report to-day which gives the views of young people in residential care on the inspection process.

Jennifer Gargan, Director of IAYPIC, said that HIQA, in commissioning this consultation with young people in residential care, clearly showed their commitment to ensuring that young people’s views would be listened to and respected. 

“Given what we have learned about the horrific abuse suffered in the past by children in institutional care, it is especially important that children to-day have every opportunity to talk with inspectors and have their voices heard. By doing this and by taking on board the recommendations of this report HIQA will be able to provide a more child friendly and accessible approach to the inspection process”.

Young people themselves were clearly able to identify the importance of having independent inspections and of being able to talk to the inspectors. Some of their comments highlight this:

“If something is not right and staff aren’t doing anything, then you can say it to the inspectors…….”

“It’s kinda good that people are coming out to see how you are………”

They were also able to articulate why inspections took place was to consider child welfare and safety concerns. Comments from young people included:

“That you are safe”      

“Not being treated unfairly”

“That we are happy”    

“To get the young person’s point of view of how things could be improved”

IAYPIC are delighted to have been asked to undertake this consultation on behalf of HIQA. As the only independent organisation in Ireland which works solely with children and young people currently in care or with care experience ,IAYPIC advocates for young people’s rights and especially for their right to be heard on all issues affecting their care.

We would like to thank all the young people involved in this consultation for giving of their time and to thank HIQA for their commitment to implementing the recommendations where possible.  

Ends

Jennifer Gargan, Director

086 607 3866