The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has today published an inspection report on the non-statutory foster care service operated by Five Rivers Ireland, an independent private provider of respite, short-term and long-term foster care services. Placements with Foster Care Ireland are commissioned by the Child and Family Agency’s (Tusla) service area teams. 



HIQA is authorised by the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth under Section 69 of the Childcare Act 1991, as amended by Section 26 of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2011, to inspect foster care services provided by Tusla, to report on its findings to the Minister and to inspect services taking care of a child on behalf of Tusla, including non-statutory providers of foster care. HIQA monitors foster care services against the 2003 National Standards for Foster Care. 



HIQA conducted an inspection of Five Rivers Ireland from 28 February to 2 March 2023. This was the fourth inspection of the non-statutory service by HIQA since 2016. In this inspection, HIQA found that, of the eight national standards assessed, seven were compliant and one was substantially complaint. 

The inspection found there was a comprehensive matching process and policy in place with a strong human rights focus. Five Rivers Ireland provided foster carers with a high level of support and all foster carers had a link worker.  Support was provided through the multidisciplinary team, specialised training and an education specialist. 



The provider had effective management and governance structures in place. The inspection found that there was clarity with regards to roles and responsibilities of all staff. Management demonstrated effective leadership and there were clear lines of accountability. Five Rivers Ireland had policies and procedures in place to promote the provision of a high-quality foster care service. The provider had a range of safeguarding measures in place to protect children from abuse. 



The management of complaints and representations required improvement. The inspection found that foster carers and children were aware of the complaints policy and how to make a complaint but that there were inconsistencies in the management of complaints.

The inspection report can be found at the link below.