Hiqa Reports Children Regularly Used Drugs in Tusla Care Homes, Staff Aware
A Hiqa report revealed children regularly used illegal drugs in a Tusla care home, known to staff. Inspections in January and February found immediate risks and significant incidents, including drug use and emergency medical needs, in two homes. Staff awareness and documentation existed, but effective measures were lacking, leading to non-compliance with multiple standards.
A Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) report found children were regularly using illegal drugs in a Tusla care home with staff knowledge. The unannounced inspections occurred in January and February at homes in northeast Dublin and the southwest.
At the southwest home, inspected February 3rd, immediate risks to three children were found, leading to an urgent compliance plan. Inspectors noted a distinct smell in a meeting room, and staff confirmed regular illicit substance use by children on the premises. Staff and management were aware and documented this but failed to address it per national policies. Staff sought guidance but received no clear direction. The home was non-compliant in all five examined standards.
In the Dublin northeast centre, inspected January 28th, nearly 300 significant incidents involving two children occurred in seven months. This home changed purpose in July 2025 from housing unaccompanied asylum seekers to children aged 5-17. While interactions were positive, risks to children, including missing persons, emergency medical needs, and substance misuse, had significantly escalated. Despite timely reporting of 278 significant event notifications, responses did not effectively ensure safety. The centre was non-compliant with four of seven standards. Tusla submitted compliance plans for both homes.