Social services inspectors have expressed concern over the safety and welfare of children at a crisis intervention service in Galway for homeless young people.
The centre, which has been operated by the Health Service Executive (HSE) since July 2005, was established to provide emergency accommodation for homeless boys and girls on a short-term basis.
However, the Social Services Inspectorate (SSI) said it was concerned for the safety of children, ranging from babies to "volatile, discontented teenagers".
"It was not possible to provide a safe and suitable environment with the mix of demands being made on the staff group," the inspectors' report said.
"Inspectors found evidence of children being discharged prematurely due to concerns for their safety. Inspectors are of the view that a short-term emergency centre is not a suitable placement for babies and young children and that the HSE should have other arrangements in place to meet this need."
At times it was clear that some of the older children and young people were under the influence of alcohol or drugs and frequently did not want to stay in the centre, inspectors noted.
Another key area of concern was that the centre was obliged to take all referrals, even where the manager thought that a new admission could put at risk the safety and welfare of children, young people and staff.
A shortage of residential units in the area also meant children were staying at the unit for much longer than intended. The centre is supposed to provide a brief emergency placement for around five days. However, inspectors found that five young people had spent an average of more than three months in the centre in the 15-month period prior to inspection. The inspectors said: "Inspectors are of the view that a short-term emergency centre is not a suitable placement for babies and young children and that the HSE should have other arrangements in place to meet this need."
Some aspects of care at the centre did meet required standards. The report highlighted the commitment of the centre's management and staff to children in their care, despite the complexity and challenges of caring for a wide age range of children and young people. Inspectors also found resilience among the staff team to persist with the young people even when they had presented with challenging and difficult behaviour.
In its recommendations, inspectors said the HSE Western Area should revise the purpose and function of the centre as a matter of urgency.
