Children and young people in care given a voice
This morning around 50 guests visited my office to hear two young people with experience of out-of-home care present the findings of a report which outlines children and young people’s experiences and views of having their concerns heard while in care.
The report, Speaking Out About Raising Concerns in Care, is the culmination of partnership between my office, the Department of Child Protection and Family Support and CREATE Foundation.
Almost 100 children and young people with experience of care were interviewed about the factors that support them to speak up about their concerns, as well as the barriers they experience.
This project as undertaken to give children and young people in care a voice on this matter and to ensure the Department’s reform process hears from the children and young people they work to support.
I was pleased that the Minister for Child Protection Andrea Mitchell MLA and the director general of the Department Emma White were able to attend the launch event this morning, as this demonstrates the commitment to hearing and responding to the findings and themes of the report.
I would especially like to thank the children and young people who participated in this project – the resilience and strength of character that came through in the interviews was truly inspiring.
In addition to the report we have created a booklet that is being provided to the 96 children and young people who participated in the consultation, so they can hear what other children and young people had to say.
