Oberstown Children Detention Campus statement on 2025 HIQA inspection report
April 20, 2026
Oberstown Children Detention Campus welcomes the publication of the latest Inspection Report by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) following the announced inspection carried out from 10–12 November 2025.
The inspection found that “overall the provider was delivering a good quality, child-centred and safe service to young people” and noted the challenges associated with persistently high occupancy levels and the numbers of young people whose complex needs require increased levels of staffing and supports. HIQA found that progress had been made in all areas since its 2024 inspection, but stated that further improvements were required.
HIQA inspects Oberstown against bespoke standards (12 rules) set out in the Oberstown Children’s Rights Policy Framework which aims to ensure the service provides young people with the best care possible and respects their rights in a safe and secure environment. The 2025 inspection focused on five of the 12 rules, finding the service to be compliant or substantially compliant in the rules covering young people’s participation, positive behaviour and management authority to suspend campus rules. Oberstown was not compliant in two of the rules: restrictive practices and staffing, governance and management.
All findings have been comprehensively examined and a compliance action plan is in place to address areas identified for improvement within agreed timeframes.
Young people interviewed as part of the inspection spoke positively about their experience in Oberstown. Many described feeling safe and supported on campus, with one young person stating, “I feel safe here,” while another commented that staff are “friendly, kind and sound”.
Inspectors also heard how young people valued the encouragement they received, with one noting, “it’s nice to hear the positive things they (staff) say about you.” Parents and external professionals also provided positive feedback on the care provided. Inspectors were told, “They did good work with my son” and “I am grateful for how well he is being cared for.” Others described staff as “amazing” and “warm and welcoming”.
The report notes continued progress in behaviour management, including continued progress in reducing both the number of incidents of single separation and the duration of such measures. This reflects the campus’ ongoing focus on trauma-informed, rights-based practice and the dedication of staff to maintaining a safe, respectful and supportive environment.
Damien Hernon, Director of Oberstown Children Detention Campus, said: “We welcome the publication of this HIQA inspection report and the balanced assessment it provides of the care and support delivered at Oberstown. It is particularly reassuring to see the positive feedback from young people, families and external professionals, and the recognition of the safe and supportive environment our staff work hard to provide every day. The report also reflects the progress we have made in line with our trauma-informed and rights-based approach. We will continue to work closely with HIQA to ensure standards are strengthened and consistently upheld across campus.”
Where the report highlights areas for further enhancement, structured actions are underway to ensure standards continue to evolve in line with best practice. Oberstown values independent inspection as a collaborative mechanism that strengthens governance, transparency and quality of care.
Oberstown remains committed to delivering a rights-based model of care aligned with national standards and best practice.
Koulla Yiasouma, Chair of the Board of Oberstown Children Detention Campus added: “The Board welcomes this report and the assurance it provides that Oberstown continues to deliver rights-based care in an increasingly complex and demanding setting and broader environment. We are encouraged by the evidence that young people feel safe, supported and able to participate meaningfully in decisions about their care. The Board recognises the commitment of staff and leadership across the campus, and we will continue to engage constructively with HIQA, the Department and stakeholders to support a system that consistently delivers high standards of care for every young person.”
Oberstown will continue to work closely with HIQA to ensure ongoing compliance and to drive continuous improvement across all aspects of campus life.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Aaron Reilly, Drury
085 244 5630