HIQA Inspectors found "insufficient recognition" by the management team of a Tusla Residential Centre for children, on the impact of monitoring children's movements through CCTV, on their fundamental rights.
An unannounced inspection by the Health Information and Quality Authority at the facility in the southwest last July found the children’s movements were being monitored via the use of cameras.
This was identified as a concern in a previous HIQA inspection last year, but a report published by the watchdog today says there were "no improvements" in this practice.
CCTV continued to be used in the centre, in the absence of the required risk assessments and regular reviews, which was not in line with the provider’s national policy according to HIQA.
In addition, it noted the rationale for the use of CCTV was not identified, documented and included in the centre's restrictive practice log.
The centre had capacity to provide respite for up to six children, but there were none in respite at the time of the unannounced arrival of HIQA.
Following their visit, inspectors spoke with some children through video call who provided "valuable insights" into their experience of the service.
Children said they did not like being "watched" (on CCTV) and that they had asked for the cameras to be removed.
One child described a lack of engagement with them when they made a complaint about the use of CCTV in the centre and said that when they asked for cameras to be turned off they were simply told 'no’.
The child did not experience the complaints process as participatory according to the report and their complaint had not been recorded on the complaints register.
At the time of the inspection, there were 46 children registered to avail of respite care, with a further 17 referrals in progress.
The report notes that the children were cared for by a committed staff team, who recognised their individual needs and promoted children’s participation in the planning of activities when on respite.
An urgent compliance plan in respect of the continued use of CCTV was issued to the centre following inspection, however the response received by HIQA "did not sufficiently assure inspectors" and further assurances were sought from the external line manager with responsibility for the centre.
Adequate assurances were provided and clear actions to address risks associated with the use of CCTV, implemented following the inspection.
