THE EXTENT of the failures in the foster care system has been highlighted in an unpublished report which reveals that vulnerable children in the southeast are at risk of being placed with unsafe carers.
This internal audit conducted by the Health Service Executive follows a number of other critical reports which highlighted major problems in childcare in the Dublin and Cork areas.
This latest report, completed in December of last year, found:
No evidence of formal assessments of foster families or Garda clearance in up to a quarter of cases examined, increasing the risk of unsuitable people working as foster carers.
Inadequate state of foster care files and records, which may have legal implications if information is required by the courts.
Failure to comply with national minimum standards over reviews for children in care, increasing the risk that foster carers are being paid for sub-standard care.
At least 20 per cent of children in foster care without an allocated social worker.
Transactions over some payments to foster carers not being conducted in an accurate or transparent manner.
The auditors noted that an ongoing theme during their discussions was how a lack of resources was impacting on social workers’ ability to comply with legislation and minimum standards.
In addition, foster carers themselves were frustrated at the lack of support available to them.
“It was evident from our examination of the case files that foster carers continually voice their concerns over such gaps, with a common theme being children in care who have not been allocated a social worker,” the internal audit states.
It also noted a number of control and procedural weaknesses over payments to foster carers. In total, almost €12 million was paid to foster carers in the southeast during 2008. The basic weekly allowance for a foster carer is €325 per child under 12 and €352 for a teenager.
In response to the findings, HSE management told auditors that a fundamental review of all its files was under way to address any shortcomings.
It said a special group had been established to improve the management of childcare files. In addition, management pledged to ensure all policies and procedures would be brought into line with national foster care standards.
A HSE spokeswoman said yesterday that since the audit report was completed, the executive now requires that foster carers undergo preliminary assessments and Garda checks in all cases, including emergency placements.