Inspection Report
Aisling
Aisling Children's Residential Centre
Midland Health Board
Executive Summary
This section contains a brief summary of the main findings and conclusions of the inspection of Aisling, Children's Residential Centre which took place on the 26th, 27th and 28th June, 2001. Readers wishing a more detailed account should refer to the main sections of the report.
Aisling is located in Co. Longford and is one of six children's residential centres managed by the Midland Health Board. It has a stated purpose to provide a caring environment for five young people in short to medium term care, who cannot remain in their own homes; for whom placement with relatives is not appropriate; or for whom foster care is not an option. At the date of inspection there were three young people, all male, between the ages of 15 - 17, resident in the centre.
The staff group present as a stable and cohesive team, with a balance between experience and relatively new staff. While awaiting the new post of unit leader, which is be filled shortly, the staff are managed by an acting senior assistant house parent. It is clear that the staff group feel greatly supported by her. Eight out of fifteen staff members hold a recognised qualification in child care, and a ninth staff member completed her final exams in 2001. While the Board continues to develop in service training for residential care staff within the region, the staff in Aisling do not receive any formal supervision. The provision of same will be the responsibility of the new unit leader when in post. It is the intention of the Board to fill care staff posts on a permanent basis, following the recruitment of all unit leaders.
Article 23 of the 1995 Child Care Regulations requires that a Health Board should, before placing a child in residential care, or as soon as possible afterwards, prepare a written care plan for each young person. This requirement was not met in relation to one young person. There was also variation in the format and content of the existing care plans for the two other young people, reflecting the need for a more consistent approach to care planning. The regularity of statutory review meetings complies with requirements of the regulations.
Care staff interact with young people in a caring and warm manner. Young people's needs are respected in relation to privacy, dignity and individuality. All efforts are made to support educational or training placements and health needs are appropriately responded to. All of the young people have regular contact with family members. Transport arrangements for home visits are facilitated. One parent stated that she found the atmosphere in the centre to be welcoming and informal; that communication with the centre was excellent, and that staff always took time to talk to her. Inspectors are however of the opinion that the centre should make greater efforts to ensure that parents are invited to visit the centre on a regular basis and share in any special occasions arranged in the centre for the young people.
There is evidence of access to specialist services to support the emotional and psychological needs of the young people. However, the refusal of one young person to engage with these services is a source of concern. Staff are unable to engage purposefully with this young person and in the absence of same, it is likely that the young person will continue to drift through the service, without his specific needs being addressed. There is an urgent need for staff to receive specialist guidance to inform their interaction with this young person if he is to continue to reside in the centre. Inspectors were informed by senior management that a discrete specialist service for young people in care, that will provide both a resource to the young people and staff is being arranged. Inspectors urge that this service is expedited.
There is a high level of unauthorised absences from the centre in respect of two of the young people, which can include leaving the centre at the early hours of the morning and in some instances, remaining out over night. The level of unauthorised absences reflects the inability of staff to place effective boundaries on the behaviour of the young people and therefore to engage purposefully with them.
One young person was being prepared for leaving care. Whilst inspectors were informed of the supports that will be made available to the young person, the specific details of such supports should be outlined in a leaving care plan for the young person. The Board has acquired access to accomodation, which will serve as a semi-independent living unit for two young people. An after care worker is also being recruited to develop and support the after care service. The Board are commended for this initiative.
The physical premises are undergoing redecoration and refurbishment, including a new kitchen, floor covering, painting and new furnishings. The programme of refurbishment will greatly enhance a more comfortable and homely environment.
Management and staff in Aisling are committed to providing a high quality of care for the young people. However, there are a number of areas that need to be addressed before the unit can be said to meet the standards for children's residential centres, some of which include:
- Revision of the protocols for residential care to include all policies that inform practice, including a more comprehensive complaints procedure.
- Provision of permanent staff posts.
- Provision of care plans for all young people.
- Provision of therapeutic services to guide and inform the staff's care of the young people.
- Review of the level of unauthorised absences and the measures required to address this.
- The requirement that an authorised person carries out regular monitoring of the centre as required by Article 17 of the Child Care Regulations, 1995.
- The board should ensure that the After-Care Service develops according to the board's plan.