Enhancing Safeguarding Compliance in IPAS Centres: Protect Your Residents

Safeguarding has been identified as a major area on non-compliance within recently published HIQA inspection reports of International Protection Accommodation Services centres. This finding is critical and requires immediate attention.

Introduction

In recent HIQA Inspection Reports, safeguarding has emerged as a significant area of non-compliance within International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) centres. With the oversight responsibilities now under HIQA, it’s crucial for IPAS providers to prioritise a review and enhancement of their safeguarding measures.

This article outlines some of the non-compliant issues identified by HIQA in relation to safeguarding and details the lines of enquiry that IPAS providers must be cognisant of to ensure they are meeting the requirements set out in the National Standards for accommodation offered to people in the protection process (2019).

Summary of Findings in Relation to Theme 8: Safeguarding and Protection

HIQA identified the below non-compliant issues in its recent inspections of IPAS centres:

• There was an absence of a policy for adult safeguarding. There was a lack of awareness among the service provider, centre managers, and staff regarding their responsibility to safeguard vulnerable adults in accordance with national policy requirements.
• There were no arrangements in place for lessons learnt or debriefing following incidents and events for the purpose of service improvement.
• The service had an adult safeguarding statement but there was no detailed policy to outline how concerns related to the safeguarding of adults should be managed.
• There was no designated officer appointed to manage adult safeguarding concerns.
• Residents told inspectors that they had observed incidents on a regular basis relating to drug use, alcohol use and aggressive behaviours but inspectors found that there were no records relating to such incidents.
• Not all staff had completed the required training in Children First (2017).
• The service had not assessed risks relating to childminding arrangements or how children were supervised in the centre.
• The service provider did not ensure that all incidents or adverse events were recorded and there was no system to oversee and monitor concerns relating to the safeguarding of all residents.

HIQA Lines of Enquiry for Safeguarding and Protection in IPAS Centres

Below are the lines of enquiry and types of information HIQA considers when accessing an IPAS centre’s compliance with Theme 8: Safeguarding and Protection. IPAS centres should review and consider these areas when self-assessing their compliance:

Standard 8.1 The service provider protects residents from abuse and neglect and promotes their safety and welfare:

• Does the service provider have policies and procedures in place to protect all residents from all forms of abuse and harm, in line with relevant legislation and guidance, and to minimise their effects whenever they may occur? Do policies and procedures include prompt and effective mechanisms to ensure concerns identified are addressed without delay?
• Are residents aware of and actively supported to engage with the complaints processes in place?
• Are effective risk assessment and risk management policies and procedures in place to manage risks to residents’ safety.
• Are documented and effective measures taken by the provider to protect residents if a concern regarding their safety arises?
• Are policies and procedures in place and implemented to address allegations of abuse and or harm?
• Are policies and procedures in place to manage conflict and associated risk in the centre?
• Is there a designated person in place in the centre to act as a liaison with outside agencies and a resource person for staff who may have safety concerns?
• Is the service provider aware of relevant community and national support services, and is this information clearly displayed for residents and staff in the centre?
• Are safe and secure storage areas available to residents for their valuables in both their rooms and elsewhere in the centre?
• Are clear emergency protocols in place and are they known to residents and staff?
• Are residents provided with information and skills training in relation to keeping themselves safe?
• Are residents consulted on policies and procedures developed for their safeguarding and protection?

Standard 8.2 The service provider takes all reasonable steps to protect each child from abuse and neglect and children’s safety and welfare is promoted.

• Has the service provider ensured that the centre operates in line with and complies with national policy as outlined in Children First 2017 and relevant legislation? Are parents informed of their right to contact The Child and Family Agency (Tusla) should they need to?
• Do staff and managers work in partnership with children and families to promote the safety and wellbeing of children, and are all residents aware of the centre’s child safeguarding policy and procedures?
• Does the service provider have policies and procedures in place to protect children from all forms of abuse and neglect, and to minimise their effects whenever they may occur? Are these in line with Children First 2017 and relevant legislation and policy? Do these policies and procedures include prompt and effective mechanisms to ensure concerns are dealt with effectively? Does the service provider have clearly-defined procedures in place for the resolution of allegations of abuse by staff that prioritise the safety of children and are understood by all staff?
• Does the accommodation centre have a designated liaison person (DLP) who acts in line with Children First? Is the name and contact details for the DLP prominently displayed in the in the centre?
• Are there systems in place to ensure each child is accounted for? Are there policies and procedures in place to report children missing from the centre to the relevant authorities?
• Are parents supported and facilitated to provide age appropriate supervision to children, and are there procedures in place for the care of children in a parent’s absence, including arrangements between residents for the care of children?
• Do the identified needs, best interest and views of children inform the development and delivery of services and supports?
• Does the service provider make information available to all children regarding supports for children and young people; for example, telephone helplines and other supports in various age-appropriate formats, including posters, leaflets and online resources?

Standard 8.3 The service provider manages and reviews adverse events and incidents in a timely manner and outcomes inform practice at all levels.

• Are policies and procedures in place for the timely reporting, response, review and evaluation of adverse incidents and events? Are affected residents included in any such review or evaluation?
• Are adverse events treated sensitively and confidentially?
• Are residents fully and openly informed when an adverse event which affects them has occurred and in a timely way. Is information and support provided to residents as needed?
• Are emergency contacts displayed in appropriate rooms of the centre?

Conclusion

As noted, the HIQA IPAS inspection reports have highlighted major concerns in IPAS centres around safeguarding. To move towards compliance, IPAS providers must review their practices immediately. Consider undertaking an audit of your safeguarding practices in line with the National Standards, regulations and guidance to identify gaps in policies, training, and incident and complaint management. It is essential that all staff are aware of the types of abuse, how to recognise safeguarding issues and what to do if they have any concerns. As such, training programs must be established to ensure staff are fully aware of their duties in protecting vulnerable adults and children. Additionally, it is crucial to establish effective incident reporting and management system for reporting, tracking, and mitigating safeguarding issues.

As an industry leader in healthcare quality, safety, and regulatory compliance, HCI can be invaluable in supporting your IPAS centre to review and enhance your safeguarding practices. By leveraging HCI’s comprehensive quality and safety professional services, your IPAS centre can develop robust safeguarding policies, ensure thorough staff training, and implement an effective incident management system. These measures not only address the immediate non-compliance issues but also foster a safer environment for residents by promoting continuous quality improvement and adherence to the National Standards.

For more information on how HCI’s safeguarding support services for IPAS centres, please contact us at info@hci.care or call 01 629 2559.

References

Department of Justice & Equality (2019). National Standards for accommodation offered to people in the protection process.

Health Information and Quality Authority (2024). Assessment-Judgment Framework for the Monitoring of International Protection Accommodation Service Centres.