New agreement aims to improve services for children in State care
The Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO) and Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) have signed a new agreement aimed at encouraging better cooperation between the two groups.
It is hoped that the memorandum of understanding (MOU), the first of its kind between the two organisations, will help improve services and outcomes for children.
It is aimed at promoting cooperation in areas of strategic and high-level operational interest. It will allow cooperation on cross-referral of information where one organisation believes that it falls within the remit of the other, or both bodies.
In particular, it notes areas where both organisations can potentially work together to ensure information is appropriately checked, and the health and welfare of children who use health and social services is protected.
Welcoming the initiative, the Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, commented: “My office has a separate but complementary role to that of HIQA.
“We investigate complaints about public organisations that relate to children and young people, many of whom may be interacting with services that are overseen by HIQA.
“The MOU will ensure that complaints or information received from the public are channelled to the appropriate office in a timely manner and in the best interests of the child involved.”
Phelim Quinn, chief executive of HIQA, said: “In recent years, HIQA has assumed responsibility for regulating an increasingly large and diverse number of children and young people’s residential services and the organisation of child protection services.
“This MOU will give greater voice to vulnerable children in State care, and contribute to granting those children greater rights and protections.
“I am delighted to put cooperation with the OCO on a more formal footing in order to work toward safer, better care for vulnerable children and young people.”
HIQA is an independent authority that exists to improve health and social care services for the people of Ireland.
The OCO, also an independent organisation, promotes the rights and welfare of children and young people under 18 years of age living in Ireland. The office deals with complaints made by, or on behalf of, children that relate to public bodies or organisations and it also advises Government on legislation affecting children and young people.
