Inspectors found discrepancies in the threshold of assessments undertaken by the FRU and the emergency assessments undertaken by area social workers. An example found by inspectors was where children were placed with a relative carer who had criminal convictions. While an assessment was undertaken, the recommendation from the FRU to the FAC was not to approve the carer due to the previous convictions. However, the children continued to be cared for by the relative carer for a number of years. Inspectors were told by the children’s social workers that the level of care provided by the relative carer was good and this was reiterated by the children’s mother. Inspectors met with these children and the relative carers and found that the children were appropriately cared for by the family. Inspectors were concerned that the relative carers did not have a social worker to support them and they were not offered training as they were not approved relative carers. Inspectors were aware of a number of relative carers similarly unsupervised and unsupported. Inspectors were concerned about the high level of vulnerability of these children and families with the lower level of support. Inspectors found these situations to be unacceptable and the four local health areas inspected in the HSE South should address the discrepancies in the systems. 4.9 Recruitment and retention of an appropriate range of foster carers The Authority inspected against Standard 21 in relation to performance of the HSE in safeguarding and protection of children in foster care as outlined below: Standard 21 The HSE is actively involved in recruiting an appropriate range of foster carers to meet the diverse needs of the children and young people in their care. The Fostering Resource Unit (FRU) led the way in the recruitment of foster carers for the four local health areas inspected in the HSE South. Inspectors found that the practices met the required Standard in some respects only. The FRU had one acting principal social worker, two team leaders, 12.2 social worker posts and three administrative support staff. Of the social work posts, 1.8 whole-time equivalents were based in North Cork LHA and 1.6 whole-time equivalents were based in West Cork LHA. The remaining staff were located together in one site in Cork City.
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