Major issues with care system for vulnerable children

A report on children in care has found serious deficits in standards aimed at safeguarding vunerable children.

The HIQUA report identifies lapses in vetting procedures for staff and foster carers and in some instances a lack of proper training.

There’s around 5,500 children in care in Ireland – nearly 90 per cent of them are in foster care.

The report says its a matter of serious concern that many staff working with children have not been cleared by gardai and this causes children in care to be placed at unnecessary risk.

DR Marion Witton is chief inspector with HIQUA – I spoke to her a short time ago.