by EPIC Communications | Apr 6, 2018 | Foster Care, Media, Press Releases
EPIC – Empowering People In Care, has expressed serious concern at the findings by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) of major non-compliance with national standards in foster care services operated by the Child and Family Agency, Tusla, in the Dublin South Central, Dublin North City and Cavan / Monaghan areas. EPIC said that it was of particular concern there were twenty findings of non-compliance, either moderate or major, from twenty four standards measured across the three areas. Major non-compliance was found in six of eight areas of the foster care service in the Dublin South Central area, in five of eight in Dublin North City and in two of eight in Cavan/Monaghan with all three areas found to be majorly non-compliant in safe-guarding and child protection and review of foster carers. EPIC CEO Terry Dignan said: “It is deeply concerning that we are seeing repeated failings in key areas by these services. It’s critical that the failings identified by HIQA are prioritised and addressed effectively and in a way that ensures continuous improvement in those areas and that improvements are maintained and applied consistently across the system”. “We welcome the response by Tusla to address the failings highlighted by HIQA and would call for any additional resources required to ensure the success of the action plan being implemented by Tusla would be put in place without delay” For all media enquiries or to arrange an interview please contact: Terry Dignan, CEO of EPIC Telephone: 01 8727 661 Mobile: 087...
by EPIC Admin | Jan 29, 2018 | Press Releases
EPIC welcomes the latest report by Carol Coulter and her team in the Child Care Law Reporting Project (CCLRP). While Ms. Coulter’s reports shed a positive light on the progress that continues to be made in our care system they also highlight the challenges that continue to exist. One of the issues highlighted in the latest report published today (January 29th) is the fact that we continue to have to send some of our children abroad for treatment. The question must continue to be asked as to why the referral of children abroad for specialised therapeutic interventions has become an accepted feature within our health and social care system and why we, as the 8th best performing economy in the world cannot provide the resources to care for all of our children, regardless of need, here at home. Even more significantly, as long as we continue to send children and young people abroad, we must work to ensure that any such placement is for the shortest possible period of time and that the significant resources invested in providing these specialised interventions abroad are not undone upon returning home due to a lack of appropriate follow on placements and continuing supports available here. Children with severe psychological and psychiatric needs require robust diagnosis and assessment with a properly designed and regularly reviewed short, medium, and longer term support plan in place. The case of a teenage girl who spent 9 months in a Special Care Unit without receiving psychiatric support is clearly of concern. Wrap-around psychiatric services with multidisciplinary input are urgently needed for many young people suffering from serious...
by EPIC Admin | Jan 10, 2018 | Blog-events-announcements, Living in Care, Media, Press Releases
Terry Dignan, CEO of EPIC said “On February 16th next, EPIC, with our 5 Nations 1 Voice partners, will celebrate the third ‘Care Day’ since we launched the inaugural Care Day in 2016. Care Day is an opportunity to unite in celebrating the rights of care experienced children and young people, their stories and their achievements. This year we look forward to the biggest Care Day yet by welcoming even more children, young people, their friends, family and carers and care organisations to join in the celebrations. Be part of changing the story for children and young people in care and care leavers by spreading the word for Care Day 2018 and joining us through your participation in the celebration of Care Day 2018! #CareDay 18 - Show your support and get involved! How to get involved… Take a selfie with the downloadable Placard, and on the 16th of February post it on social media using the hashtag #CareDay18 - If you’re not okay with posting a selfie, you can just post a picture of your placard. You can also use our Care Day Twibbon to show your support easily on your Facebook or Twitter page. Care Day Twibbon Young Persons Placard Supporters...
by EPIC Admin | Dec 18, 2017 | Media, Statements
EPIC cautiously welcomes the introduction of mandatory reporting of child protection concerns by professionals, introduced on Monday December 11th. This commences the final part of the Children First Act 2015, which places a legal obligation on professionals to report child protection concerns to the Child and Family Agency and to assist the agency with its assessment of concerns about children who have been the subject of a report. It also fulfils the 2011 Programme for Government commitment of putting reporting of child abuse on a statutory footing. Terry Dignan, CEO of EPIC, said “More responsibility and ownership on reporting of abuse cases is a positive step, however we need to ensure that mandatory reporting does not overshadow continued investment in recruiting and retaining of social workers, coupled with early community intervention and support; the cornerstone of effective child protection. EPIC would not like to see the positive progress being made by Tusla to be impeded by a diversion of resources in response to an overabundance in mandatory reporting.” Child protection is everyone’s responsibility, but it is now clear where that responsibility lies in terms of reporting concerns about a child’s welfare and protection. Tusla has issued publications and online training to enhance awareness and understanding of the new responsibilities. If you want to report a concern, see...
by EPIC Admin | Dec 5, 2017 | Living in Care, Press Releases
FEBRUARY 16TH - NATIONAL CARE DAY Day(s) : Hour(s) : Minute(s) : Second(s) Care Day 2018 will take place on February 16th. Care Day is the world’s largest celebration of children and young people with care experience. Care experience includes children and young people who are or were cared for by parents or other family members with the support of social workers; by foster carers; or children and young people from children’s homes and residential units. They deserve to be celebrated, on care day, and every day. Care Day is part of 5 Nations, 1 Voice – an alliance made up of five children’s rights charities across the U.K. and Ireland: Become in England, EPIC in Ireland, VOYPIC in Northern Ireland, Voices from Care in Wales, and Who Cares? Scotland. Care Day 2018 is an opportunity to celebrate the rights of care experienced children and young people. The alliance wants a world where the experience of these children and young people allow them to thrive and achieve their dreams so that they go onto have a future that is fulfilled, and something they are proud of. The 5 Nations, 1 Voice alliance invites every child and young person with experience of care to join in this day of united celebration. Those who care for and support these children and young people are also asked to celebrate. It is an opportunity to illustrate how care experienced people can feel different to others and why. So, on February 16th, next Care Day, everyone has the chance to get vocal, get social, and get together in celebration of the care experienced community....
by EPIC Admin | Dec 5, 2017 | Media, Press Releases
SAVE THE DATE! - CARE DAY 2018 Day(s) : Hour(s) : Minute(s) : Second(s) Care Day 2018 will take place on February 16th. Care Day is the world’s largest celebration of children and young people with care experience. Care experience includes children and young people who are or were cared for by family members with the support of social workers; by foster carers; or children and young people from children’s homes and residential units. They deserve to be celebrated, on care day, and every day. Care Day is part of 5 Nations, 1 Voice – an alliance made up of five children’s rights charities across the U.K. and Ireland: Become in England, EPIC in Ireland, VOYPIC in Northern Ireland, Voices from Care in Wales, and Who Cares? Scotland. Care Day 2018 is an opportunity to celebrate the rights of care experienced children and young people. The alliance wants a world where young people are proud, fulfilled, are able to thrive and achieve their dreams. The 5 Nations, 1 Voice alliance invites every child and young person with experience of care, as well as those who care for and support these young people, to join in this day of united celebration. It is an opportunity to illustrate how care experienced people can feel different to others and why. February 16th 2018 is the next Care Day; and we would encourage everyone to get vocal, get social, and get together in celebration of the care experienced community. Find out more...
by EPIC Admin | Nov 13, 2017 | Blog-events-announcements, Good News, Media
RELEASING POTENTIAL - EDUCATION FAIR FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN CARE! Children, young people, carers, and relevant professionals welcome to this information fair on educational opportunities for young people in care after they leave school! When: Saturday 25th November 2017 // 11:00-1:00PM Where: Graduates Memorial Building (GMB) Trinity College Dublin Map to GMB available here // For more information visit...
by EPIC Communications | May 29, 2017 | Press Releases
MEDIA RELEASE IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 29.05.2017 11:30am Audit into the use of Section 12 of the Child Care Act 1991 by An Garda Síochána identifies a crucial need for an out-of-hours social work service EPIC welcomes the publication of the audit into the use of Section 12 by An Garda Síochána by Dr. Geoffrey Shannon, Special Rapporteur on Child Protection. This audit, the first of its kind in Ireland, is an encouraging step towards greater transparency and accountability of An Garda Síochána in its use of exceptional powers. This in-depth analysis of removals of children from the care of their parents, guardians, or persons acting in loco parentis demonstrate that Gardaí generally acted reasonably and responded appropriately in challenging circumstances. EPIC is however seriously concerned by the poor levels of inter-agency cooperation and collaboration between An Garda Síochána and Tusla. This report shows that Gardaí were often kept in the dark about the progress of cases once they had handed children over to the care of Tusla. Ensuring that the child receives adequate care and protection is paramount, and efficient inter-agency work is crucial to conform to child protection best practice. In addition, EPIC is alarmed by the reliance of Tusla on a private fostering service, to fulfil part of their out-of-hours service. It is unacceptable to rely on a private provider when they do not have the obligation to take in all children removed under Section 12, and can refuse to take in children demonstrating challenging behaviour. Speaking following the publication of the report, Director of EPIC, Terry Dignan made the following comments: “EPIC is concerned by the reliance...
by EPIC Communications | Apr 18, 2017 | Press Releases
MEDIA RELEASE Immediate Release: 18th April 2017, 12.00PM HIQA Dublin South Central Foster Care Service Report Identifies Serious Child Protection Issues The latest HIQA report on the Dublin South Central Foster Care service only identifies one standard being met, 20 standards requiring improvement and significant risks under five standards: Safeguarding and Child Protection, Assessment and Approval of Relative Foster Carers, Review of Foster Carers, Management and Monitoring of Foster Care Agency and Training and Qualifications. Although the service was meeting children’s education needs, and the children had developed warm relationships with their foster parents and all had an allocated social worker, persistent delays of several years in assessments and foster care committee decisions, as well as decisions to maintain children in the care of foster parents who had been assessed as being unsuitable and relative foster parents where known risks existed jeopardised the long-term safety of children in the care of the State. Speaking following the publication of the report, Director of EPIC, Terry Dignan made the following comment: “EPIC is alarmed by HIQA’s findings on the extent of the child protection concerns in the Dublin South Central Foster Care Service. It is seriously worrying that children were found to be placed with foster carers who weren’t adequately vetted, or were maintained in placements where serious concerns for their potential long-term safety and well-being had been raised. It is crucial to protect children from crisis-led placements, and ensure that an adequate review mechanism is in place to remove children from unsafe placements. Keeping children safe is paramount. We trust that Tusla will address the grave issues raised by HIQA,...
by EPIC Communications | Feb 9, 2017 | Press Releases
MEDIA RELEASE Immediate Release: 09th February 2017, 11.15AM EPIC is celebrating the second annual Care Day on Friday the 17th of February 2017 at the Ombudsman for Children’s Office in Dublin at 5.00PM. It is a special day to celebrate the positive experiences of children and young people in care. Young people and professionals have been invited to share their positive experiences of the care system. This event will be preceded by a creative workshop for young people. Care Day is part of a larger campaign that EPIC is involved in called Five Nations One Voice. It is a collaboration with four other care organisations in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Several other events are taking place all around the country in the week preceding Care Day 2017: EPIC is organising two football tournaments, one in Clontarf with Don Bosco Care on the 15th of February from 3-5pm, and one in Cork’s Glen Resource Centre on the 17th of February. EPIC’s Limerick office is hosting a Care Day coffee break on the 17th and to top things off the young people from the Galway Fora have organised a Care Day party with bowling and laser tag! Social Work Teams around the country are also organising events to celebrate Care Day. They will be sharing their selfies on Facebook and on Twitter using the #CAREDAY2017! Director of EPIC, Terry Dignan stated: “Last year’s first ever Care Day was incredibly successful in promoting positive care identities and raising awareness around the issues that children and young people in care face. With Care Day we hope to further increase public awareness of...
by EPIC Communications | Jan 6, 2017 | Press Releases
Immediate Release: 6th January 2017 WHERE OMBUDSMAN FOR CHILDREN’S OFFICE MILLENNIUM WALK, STRAND STREET, DUBLIN 1 WHEN 17th OF FEBRUARY 2017 (TIME TBC) EPIC will celebrate the second annual National Care Day on the 17th of February 2017. This is a special day to celebrate the positive experiences of children and young people in the care of the State. EPIC will facilitate an event at the Ombudsman for Children’s Office in Dublin, which will include a creative workshop for young people and opportunities for them to talk about being in care. This event is part of a larger campaign that EPIC is involved in called Five Nations One Voice. It is a collaboration with four other care organisations in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, all of which aim to create better outcomes for young people in care and promote a positive care identity for young people. Director of EPIC, Terry Dignan stated: “Last year’s first ever Care Day was incredibly successful in promoting positive care identities and raising awareness around the issues that children and young people in care face. On the 17th of February we hope to give young people an opportunity to celebrate being in care, further increase public awareness of care issues, and celebrate the voices, talents and achievements of children and young people in care. We look forward to celebrating with them and with everyone who will be showing their support by using the #CAREDAY2017” Several other events will take place in the week preceding Care Day 2017. Details will be shared shortly. ENDS Media interviews with young people are only available upon request. Notes...
by EPIC Communications | Nov 30, 2016 | Press Releases
Immediate Release: 29/11/16 The latest HIQA report on a Residential Care Centre described significant risks identified under four standards: Care of Young People, Safeguarding and Child Protection, Premises and Safety, and Management and Staffing. The inspectors found that although the centre was appropriately meeting children’s education and health care needs, and promoting good relationships in between staff and children, its failure to manage behaviour, risk, communication and supervision had resulted in some instances in children experiencing significant harm, and in children being frequently placed at risk of significant harm. Speaking following the publication of the report, Director of EPIC, Jennifer Gargan made the following comment: “EPIC is very concerned by HIQA’s findings on the extent of the risks present in this residential centre. We are alarmed by the number of negative significant events notifications that occurred over the last year, and we hope that swift action will be taken to address the high number of incidents of children being absent from the centre. It is seriously worrying that children were found to be exposed to higher risk situations and behaviours than the situations they were removed from. Keeping children safe is paramount, especially during times of crisis. We trust that Tusla will address the grave issues raised by HIQA, to ensure that serious incidents are dealt with in a timely and appropriate manner, and that children are protected from harm.” The children in Ferryhouse have complex needs, which is why a safe environment is crucial to their wellbeing and ensuring positive outcomes. The layout of the building was found to be unsuitable and preventing children from being kept safe....
by EPIC Communications | Nov 23, 2016 | Press Releases
Immediate Release: 23/11/16 The latest HIQA report on the Special Care Unit in Ballydowd identified that a third of standards were being met, with the further two thirds requiring improvement and only one significant risk identified. The inspectors found that Ballydowd was providing child-centred care, where children were involved in the decisions made about them. EPIC welcomes HIQA’s findings, especially since Ballydowd staff was found to promote the relationships between children and their families, and risk assessments were completed in children’s best interest. Speaking following the publication of the report, Director of EPIC, Jennifer Gargan made the following comment: “EPIC is very pleased with HIQA’s findings on the improved quality of care in Ballydowd. We are delighted that children were found to have developed positive relationships with staff, as evidence shows it results in positive outcomes for children in care. We hope that levels of staffing at night will be increased, in order not to undermine the staff’s ability to positively manage children’s behaviour”. Through EPIC’s advocacy and research work, children and young people in care always identify the importance of placement planning. The children in Ballydowd have complex needs, but moving on placements are critical to ensure children in secure care do not regress. EPIC welcomes HIQA’s recommendation that these delays in securing adequate moving on placements be tackled. Furthermore, it is absolutely necessary that Ballydowd addresses the issue of its response to allegations against staff, as children’s safety is paramount. ENDS Notes to the Editor The HIQA inspection report is available to read here: https://www.hiqa.ie/social-care/find-a-centre/inspection-reports?field_report_type_centre_value_many_to_one=reportchildrens&keys= Ballydowd Special Care Unit is one of three special care units in Ireland....
by EPIC Communications | Nov 21, 2016 | Press Releases
Immediate Release: 21st November 2016 EPIC welcomes the publication of the Ninth Report of the Special Rapporteur on Child Protection, Prof. Geoffrey Shannon. The report highlights a wide variety of issues that children in Ireland face, and EPIC particularly supports Prof. Shannon’s recommendations on the necessity of children’s participation in formulating policies that affect them. Following the publication of the Special Rapporteur report, Director of EPIC Jennifer Gargan made the following comment: “EPIC’s work with children in care through our advocacy service has highlighted the fact that children with disabilities are a particularly vulnerable group within the care system. EPIC supports Prof. Shannon’s call for the evaluation of Ireland’s child protection programme, to ensure that all stakeholders collaborate to identify risk situations and efficiently protect children with disabilities. We further join him in his call for the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. EPIC agrees with Prof. Shannon that children should be able to have their voice heard in decisions that will affect them, and that children’s participation will ensure the development of effective child protection systems. This is especially crucial to children in care, who often feel that their views make little difference. We commend Prof. Shannon’s suggestion that children in care should be involved in the running of the institutions they live in, and that preference should be given to foster and adoption placements instead of care homes.” EPIC further joins Prof. Shannon in his recommendation that efforts should be made to refrain from placing children in custody, and instead develop alternatives such as community service. ENDS Notes to Editor The...
by EPIC Communications | Nov 11, 2016 | Press Releases
Immediate Release: 11th of November, 2016 The latest HIQA report on the Special Care Unit Coovagh House identified that a third of standards were being met, with the further two thirds requiring improvement and only one significant risk identified. The report highlights that Coovagh House was providing adequate care for children, despite the living environment not being fit for the purpose of providing effective care after damage had been caused to the unit. EPIC welcomes HIQA’s findings, especially insofar as children’s rights were found to be respected and that the children in Coovagh House had appropriate access to advocacy services as well as social workers and legal counsel. Furthermore, children were found to have timely access to medical and other specialist health services as required. Speaking following the publication of the report, Director of EPIC, Jennifer Gargan made the following comment: “EPIC is delighted that Coovagh House has been found to provide adequate care, and that efforts continue to be made to ensure the children have access to advocacy services. We trust that Coovagh House will address the issue of their living environment to provide children with a homely and safe care setting, and to guarantee that they have access to indoor and outdoor recreational activities.” Through EPIC’s advocacy and research work, children and young people consistently highlight the importance of timely care plans. EPIC welcomes HIQA’s recommendation that care plans in Coovagh House be collectively reviewed. Ends Notes to the Editor The HIQA inspection report is available to read here: https://www.hiqa.ie/social-care/find-a-centre/inspection-reports?field_report_type_centre_value_many_to_one=reportchildrens&keys= (accessed 11/11/16) Coovagh House special care unit is one of three special care units. It has capacity for...
by EPIC | Nov 2, 2016 | Press Releases
Immediate Release: 2nd November 2016 EPIC welcomes the publication of senior counsel Conor Dignam’s report. This report was commissioned by the Minister for Social Affairs when it was revealed that “Grace”, a young woman with intellectual disabilities was left in an abusive foster care home despite evidence that it was unsafe. The focus of this report is two successive inquiries commissioned by the HSE, conducted by Conal Devine (2012) and Resilience Ireland Ltd (2015), giving particular attention to the approach adopted by these inquiries and the validity of the reasons the HSE put forward for not publishing them. Mr Dignam has deemed the HSE’s approach to both inquiries inadequate, and supports their publication. These findings again highlight the exceptional vulnerability of our children in the care of the state, and the additional vulnerability of children in care with disabilities. The fact that the HSE failed to adequately investigate the allegations of sexual and physical abuse of over 40 children placed in this foster care home must prompt us to re-examine how we ensure that every child in Ireland is protected and safeguarded, in particular children in the care of the state and children who are often without a voice. Director of EPIC, Jennifer Gargan made the following comment: “Beyond the official acknowledgement of the wrong that has been done, the establishment of an independent investigation on how and why this abuse of vulnerable young people was allowed to happen and continue for many years is absolutely necessary. It is fundamental in order to prevent it happening now or ever again. EPIC supports the government’s commitment to establish such an investigation....
by EPIC | Oct 20, 2016 | Press Releases
Immediate Release: Friday, 21st of October 2016 EPIC and Care Leavers Ireland today celebrate National Care Leavers Day hosting the third Annual Aftercare Conference entitled ‘Out On My Own’in George’s Hall, Dublin Castle. The opening address of the conference was made by the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins. The President paid tribute to all of the Care Leavers of Ireland, and to organisations such as EPIC and Care Leavers Ireland for empowering young people to vindicate their right to participate in debate and decisions about their future. The President also spoke of the courage and determination required from, and displayed by, so many young people leaving the care system, and he reminded participants of our duty to build a society that recognises the inherent dignity of all its members, and that allows a voice to disadvantaged and vulnerable people. Speakers throughout this one day conference will include young people who will give their perspectives on the ‘good’, the ‘bad’ and the ‘reality’ of leaving State Care. The afternoon session will also include a panel of experts that will answer young people’s questions on aftercare. Notes to the Editor Follow EPIC on Twitter @epicireland where you can tweet about the conference using the hashtag #OutOnMyOwn Ends For all media enquiries, or to arrange an interview please contact: Jennifer Gargan, Director of EPIC Noel Howard, Care Leavers Ireland Tel: 01 872 7661/0866073866 Tel: 087 1331280 Email: jennifergargan@epiconline.ie nh99@eircom.net EPIC (formerly IAYPIC) is an independent association that works throughout the Republic of Ireland, with and for children and young people who are currently living in care or who have had an...
by EPIC | Oct 20, 2016 | Press Releases
EMBARGOED for Release: 00:01, Friday, 21st of October EPIC and Care Leavers Ireland will host the third National Aftercare Conference entitled ‘Out on My Own’ in George’s Hall, Dublin Castle, Friday, October 21st 2016. The conference opening address will be made by President Michael D. Higgins. Speakers on the day will include young people with care experience, as well as a panel of experts who will be answering young people’s questions. Speaking ahead of the conference, Director of EPIC, Jennifer Gargan said: “EPIC and Care Leavers Ireland are really looking forward to celebrating National are Leavers Day. The purpose of this conference is to raise awareness of the issues for young people leaving State Care and identify gaps in service provision to policymakers through directly hearing from young people’s seldom heard voices. Young people will give their perspectives and speak of their experiences of the “good”, the “bad” and the “reality” of leaving care. We hope their voices will raise awareness amongst policymakers, professionals and the public about the care system particularly highlighting the vulnerabilities and supports these young people need and should receive as they transition into adulthood.” Chair of Cares Leavers Ireland, Noel Howard said: “Even the most fortunate young person, benefitting from all the supports of family, school and community, who leaves home at 18 will have difficulties at one time or another. Care leavers, even with the best that the care system can offer, face the daunting prospect of being on their own with very often few such supports. This conference will reflect aspects of this situation from those who know most about it...
by EPIC | Oct 18, 2016 | Press Releases
FOR YOUR DIARY! WHAT: ‘Out on My Own’, Annual Aftercare Conference & National Care Leavers Day opened by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins. WHERE: George’s Hall, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2. WHEN: Friday 21st of October 2016, 9.45-4pm Immediate Release: 17th October 2016 EPIC and Care Leavers Ireland will host the third National Aftercare Conference entitled ‘Out on My Own’ to mark and celebrate National Care Leavers week. The opening address of the conference will be made by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins. Speakers on the day will include young people with care experience. There will also be a special panel of guests who will be answering young people’s questions. The purpose of the conference is to focus on key issues for young people preparing to leave care or young people who are in aftercare. The main themes of the conference focus on aftercare, education, housing and homelessness and mental health. The aim of this conference is to raise awareness and identify the gaps for young people through hearing directly from their seldom heard voices. * Media interviews with young people who have care experience can be arranged in advance. Notes to the Editor To book your place, click on the Eventbrite link https://www.epiconline.ie/news-events/ Professionals €50.00, Students €25.00 Young People with care experience free. Ends For all media enquiries, or to arrange an interview please contact: Jennifer Gargan, Director of EPIC Noel Howard, Care Leavers Ireland Tel: 01 872 7661/0866073866 Tel: 087 1331280 Email: jennifergargan@epiconline.ie nh99@eircom.net EPIC (formerly IAYPIC) is an independent association that works throughout the Republic of Ireland, with and for children and young...
by EPIC | Oct 17, 2016 | Press Releases
Immediate Release: 17th October 2016 HIQA has raised serious concerns in an inspection report published today on the foster care service in the Midlands. The report identified that out of 26 standards, six standards were judged as at ‘significant risk’, 20 standards needed improvement, none of the 26 standards were fully complied with. The report highlighted the lack of placements available for children in the area which resulted in crisis placements and with children being placed in out-of area placements. 8% of children had no allocated social worker and 45% of children did not have an up-to-date written care plan. Safeguarding visits to children had not taken place and there were long delays in assessments and making timely decisions from the Foster Care Committee. There were 23 unplanned endings in 2 years prior to the inspection. Speaking following publication of report, Director of EPIC, Jennifer Gargan made the following statement: “The findings from this report are extremely worrying. The report highlights the lack of suitable placements available for children in this area which is causing serious multiple effects. The impact for the children involved, as a result of out-of-area placements means lesser contact with their families. The findings also highlight the impact of placement moves on children’s education and school attendance. It is clear from this report that there needs to be an effective campaign to recruit more foster carers in this area. Every child in care should have an allocated Social Worker, care plan/aftercare plan. It is also clear that timeframes for completion of foster care assessments are required to protect and promote each child’s welfare and stability....
