Minister says colleague did not fail in child oversight case

Education and Children’s Minister Inga Sæland says no one is “calling for blood” over alleged oversight failures at the Agency for Quality and Supervision of Welfare, mbl.is reported. She said the agency, which reports to Social Affairs and Housing Minister Ragnar Þór Ingólfsson, had failed in its duties, but did not believe Ingólfsson had failed in the matter.

The agency issues authorisations for children to be placed in specific care arrangements. Sæland said it had repeatedly issued short-term permits in this case and that these could have been considered more carefully before approval. She added that ministers were not involved in directing every one of their subordinate agencies.

Asked whether preparations were on track for the state to take responsibility for services for children with complex needs who live away from home, Sæland said there was no reason to think otherwise. The transfer is planned for 1 January 2027. She said the state was renting premises that would be ready to receive children on that date, and would take on both professional and financial responsibility for the service.

Sæland said the Stuðlar treatment home would continue operating as it does now until a new multifunctional facility opens in Garðabær. She hopes it will open as soon as possible so children will spend as little time as possible at Stuðlar.