The legal and casework team also use NICCY’s powers to help children and young people or their parents or carers with complaints about relevant authorities.
The term relevant authority is defined in our legislation, but it basically means a public body. This includes schools, education and library boards, health and social services trusts, hospitals and many others.
Each year we deal with hundreds of individual enquiries about many different issues which affect children and young people. Some recent examples include issues such as bullying, school transport, provision of wheelchairs, unequal treatment, housing and difficulties at school.
All enquiries are dealt with on a confidential basis, unless information is given which raises child protection concerns. In these circumstances NICCY has a duty to report the matter to the relevant authorities.
We provide assistance, advice, support or signposting whichever is most suitable depending on the individual circumstances of the enquiry.
We can help with enquiries regarding children and young people up to age 18 and in some circumstances 21 years of age.
If you are not sure if we can help you please contact us. If we cannot help we will be able to refer you to someone else who can. .
You can contact us by clicking here or telephoning 02890311616 and asking for the legal and casework department.
A list of other organisations who may be of assistance can be found here.
You can read some examples of the recent casework we have done here.