http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=14461 2nd May 2012 Welfare reform proposals could worsen situation for families already facing hardship warns Lewsley-Mooney COMMISSIONER for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney, said today’s publication of the Joseph Rowntree Trust’s Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion in Northern Ireland provided further evidence that too many children live in poverty. In welcoming the publication...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=14348 26th April 2012 Children’s Commissioner warns of poverty horror facing children COMMISSIONER for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney today said the Northern Ireland Assembly must make children visible as it prepares to debate Welfare Reform proposals. Speaking at NICCY’s event in Stormont Hotel, Ms Lewsley-Mooney, launched two landmark reports on Welfare Reform , and stated that...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=14312 26th April 2012 Call for action as threat to basic living standards looms COMMISSIONER for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney today warned that child poverty could increase if planned welfare reform changes are pushed through the Northern Ireland Assembly. Launching landmark reports on welfare reform at an event in Belfast, the Commissioner said that the Assembly must fight...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=14024 29 March 2012 “WE, as the four Children’s Commissioners, are appalled at the reported introduction of a pilot by the UK Borders’ Agency to use dental records and x-rays for age verification of asylum seeking children. “We believe that this practice places the child at risk because they may be unable to give informed consent and will be at increased, unnecessary exposure to medical radiation. “We...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=13898 12 March 2012 Live on the web site today, the Commissioner responds to: NICCY's response to DRD Consultation on Active Travel. (PDF) (Mar 2012). You can also view this document in MS Word format here. Response from the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People to the Consultation on Part One of the Criminal Records Regime Review, 29 February 2012(PDF) . (Mar 2012) You can...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=13849 7th March 2012 COMMISSIONER for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney, is seeking a meeting with Education Minister, John O’Dowd, to discuss her concerns about his updated proposals to change Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision. Ms Lewsley-Mooney has welcomed the publication by the Minister of a ‘Summary Report’ of responses to the 2009/10 consultation on the SEN and Inclusion...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=13727 20th February 2012 Children’s Commissioner disappointed at Executive document CHILDREN’S Commissioner, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney, said today that the Northern Ireland’s Executive’s Programme for Government lacks a clear and coherent vision for children. The Commissioner also expressed her concern about the absence of a commitment to deliver on children’s rights and best interests “I have consistently...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=13678 15th February 2012 CHILDREN’S Commissioner, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney, has today responded to the Northern Ireland’s Executive’s Programme for Government consultation. You can read her response, and her recommendations here: Will the draft Northern Ireland Programme for Government deliver on children’s rights and best interests? - An Analysis (pdf format) . You can also view the document in MS...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=13549 31 January 2012 Children's Commissioner, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney, today joined with her fellow children's commissioners across the UK, in calling for Government to reconsider proposals under the Welfare Reform Bill. You can read the joint statement below: The UK’s four Children’s Commissioners express deep concerns on impact of Welfare Reform Bill on children "We, the UK's four Children's...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=13475 10th January 2012 NICCY has submitted to the Committee on the Rights of the Child. You can view it here: Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People’s Submission to the Committee on the Rights of the Child for the General Comment on the right of the child to enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health, (6 January 2012). You can also view this document in MS Word Format...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=13434 9th January 2012 NICCY has responded to the Safeguarding Board (Membership, Procedure, Functions and Committee) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011. You can view it here: Response by the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People to the Safeguarding Board (Membership, Procedure, Functions and Committee) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011, (20 December 2011). You can also ...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=13160 23 November 2011 Children’s Commissioner commends high standard in inaugural awards THE ASSEMBLY Commission was tonight (Wednesday) presented with the Gold Award in the Children’s Commissioner’s 2011 Participation Awards . Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney, announced the winners of her Participation Awards at Parliament Buildings paying tribute to the magnificent...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=13078 21 November 2011 Mid-Term Report Measures Government Against UN Convention COMMISSIONER for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney, today (Monday) jointly launches with her Children Commissioner colleagues across the UK a report detailing how government measures up to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The four UK Children’s Commissioners have expressed concern...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=13017 17 November 2011 COMMISSIONER for children and young people, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney, has urged the Northern Ireland Executive to change the course of children’s lives through the Programme for Government. The Commissioner said that over the term of the previous Assembly, there appeared to have been a rolling back in practical measures to implement children’s rights but the Executive now had a...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=12954 16 November 2011 Commissioner updates education committee on pupil participation COMMISSIONER for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney, today urged the Department of Education to make pupil participation in schools a priority. Mrs Lewsley-Mooney was giving evidence to the Assembly Committee for Education’s School Council Inquiry. “The work I have been doing on participation...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=12883 9th November 2011 Landmark report reveals barriers to government delivery for children COMMISSIONER for children and young people, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney, today urged the Northern Ireland Executive to change the course of children’s lives through the forthcoming Programme for Government. Launching the landmark report ‘Barriers to Effective Government Delivery for Children in Northern Ireland’,...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=12675 24th October 2011 COMMISSIONER for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney has congratulated the Assembly’s Education Committee on its decision to launch an inquiry into school councils in Northern Ireland. The Commissioner has been championing the creation and development of school councils for several years through her Democra School campaign. “The Committee for Education has taken...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=12608 Children’s Commissioner re-locates in cost-saving move NORTHERN Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney will move to new premises as part of the latest stage of reducing costs to the taxpayer in an initiative announced by Junior Ministers Bell and Anderson in June. From Monday the Commissioner will be based at Equality House, Belfast. “I am delighted to be...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=12390 12th August 2011 Hunt on for government department that involves young people in decisions A PANEL of eight young people today launched the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People's Participation Awards 2011 . The Participation Awards will recognise positive examples of engaging young people in public life. Commissioner, Patricia Lewsley said that the awards were open to...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=11577 25th July 2011 Young People meet in Belfast to agree messages for Europe THE Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, is today hosting young people from across Europe as they discuss the issues that will inform European children's Ombudspeople. The young people are part of the European Network of Ombudspeople for Children(ENOC) Network of Youth Advisors (ENYA) and their seminar...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=11385 23rd June 2011 THE Junior Ministers Jonathan Bell and Martina Anderson have announced a cost saving initiative involving NICCY and other arm’s length bodies. You can read the press release from the Junior Minister's here . You can also see photographs from the announcement here . ...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=11225 22nd June 2011 COMMISSIONER for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, has urged Government to act in children’s best interests in considering how fingerprint and DNA records of young people are retained. The European Court of Human Rights said that government should distinguish between adults and young people and those with convictions and those without convictions. This prompted a consultation...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=11004 15th June 2011 NORTHERN Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY) has congratulated two Portadown teachers and a teacher from Parkgate, for their dedicated efforts piloting a new children’s rights online resource. Speaking as he presented teachers with their certificates, Ken Smyth, Participation Manager for NICCY thanked them for their dedication and enthusiasm to the course....http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=10913 June 2011 ‘Children’s Rights in Education’ is a unique module available in July 2012 to all qualified teachers from all school phases (Foundation Stage, Key Stages 1-4 and Special Education). All teachers (practicing or not) who want the opportunity to increase their knowledge, their schools’ awareness and their pupils understanding of children’ rights in Northern Ireland, are encouraged to apply...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=10853 18th May 2011 The Commissioner has provided evidence to the Westminster Bill Committee that is examining the Protection of Freedoms Bill which will change how staff and volunteers working with children will be vetted. The Commissioner, who also raised concerns about the Bill with the previous NI Health Minister,  has outlined the areas of the legislation that should be strengthened to make sure...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=10722 18th April 2011 COMMISSIONER for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, today said the next Assembly must work together to make communities safe for children. Speaking as she published her response to the government’s Community Safety Consultation, the Commissioner said the strategy had taken some positive steps in tackling community safety issues. But bigger braver steps were needed to challenge...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=10701 12th April 2011 Nine out of ten young people in Northern Ireland have been discriminated against because of their age . 85% of young people believe that they are judged negatively because of their age, said the Commissioner for Children and Young people, Patricia Lewsley, today. A research paper released by the Commissioner reveals that young people frequently experience discrimination due...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=10521 24th March 2011 COMMISSIONER for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, today congratulated young people from Ulidia Integrated College, Carrickfergus for their contribution to NICCY’s ‘Make it Right’ Campaign. Ulidia Integrated College hosted an event “Mental Health Awareness Day 2010” last October. Year 12 pupils took part in a number of workshops to raise awareness of the issues that...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=10510 22 March 2011 Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, today said she will be asking for an explanation as to why children and young people have been pictured allegedly carrying replica weapons. The Commissioner said that it is deeply worrying to see children pictured in this way, and more worrying that the pictures have appeared on the internet. “I am concerned by the fact...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=10464 18 March 2011 NICCY acknowledges Include Youth’s work to ‘Make It Right’. NORTHERN Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, last week congratulated young people from Include Youth, Belfast, for their contribution to NICCY’s ‘Make it Right’ Campaign. The young people hosted and facilitated an event in November with the Policing Board, which saw young people discuss...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=10359 23rd February 2011 CHILDREN and young people have been left invisible in the draft Northern Ireland Budget, claimed the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, today. Ms Lewsley told today's meeting of the Committee for the First Minister and Deputy First Minister that it was all too possible that the final budget would leave children's services the hardest...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=10063 18th February 2011 The Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, has published her response to the Northern Ireland Budget, 2011-15 today. You can read the Commissioner’s response here . ...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=10034 16th February 2011 COMMISSIONER for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, has warned that the Government’s Child Poverty Strategy will not meet the needs of children and families living on the financial edge. Ms Lewsley said that with no budget attached to the strategy and the threat of cuts from Westminster and the Assembly, the aim of ending child poverty was destined to fail unless real...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=9755 7th February 2011 Consultation Response The Government has been consulting on their draft Play and Leisure Implementation Plan which hopes to improve play and leisure opportunities for all children and young people. You can read NICCY’s response here . ...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=9740 7th February 2011 NORTHERN Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, today reminded Government of their commitment to protect children and young people from all forms of violence and abuse. The Commissioner emphasised the promises made to children and young people by government to keep them safe as part of its commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=9673 27th January 2011 STUDENTS at Southern Regional College, Lurgan were today recognised for their Make it Right campaigning on Children in Care, by the Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley. The Commissioner’s ‘Make it Right’ campaign, encourages children, young people, parents, carers, and teachers to campaign on children’s rights and bring their messages directly to the...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=9620 22nd January 2011 THE BELONG project in Armagh were today recognised for their Make it Right campaigning on Children and Education, by the Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley. The Commissioner’s ‘Make it Right’ campaign, encourages children, young people, parents, carers, and teachers to campaign on children’s rights and bring their messages directly to the attention of...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=9580 20th January 2011 OFMdFM commissioned report says Children's Commissioner should stay THE second review into the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People says the office should stay in existence in its current form. The independent report was tabled before the Committee for the Office of First Minister and deputy First Minister yesterday. Commissioner, Patricia Lewsley, said...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=9503 13th December 2010 NICCY has responded to a consultation from the Assembly Working Group on Educational Underachievement and the Protestant Working Class. You can view the consultation response here. ...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=9357 7th December 2010 COMMISSIONER for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley today (Tuesday) said Government must act to Make It Right after she helped deliver more than 2,000 messages from children to Northern Ireland Executive Ministers. The Commissioner’s year long campaign saw school children and young people campaign on issues that affect their lives and their friends. Today at Parliament...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=9352 7th December 2010 MORE than 2000 children and young people from across Northern Ireland today (Tuesday) told Government to listen, value and act to 'Make it Right'. Today's (Tuesday's) event at the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, is the culmination of a 12 month campaign, from the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, celebrating the 20th Anniversary...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=9322 6th December 2010 NORTHERN Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, today (Monday) welcomed the Coalition Government’s commitment to strengthen the powers of her English counterpart. Published today, an Independent Review by Dr John Dunford on the role and powers of English Children’s Commissioner recommended that it’s remit is strengthened, that it has greater independence...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=9285 2nd December 2010 The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People has responded to the consultation on 'Speech, Language and Communication Therapy Action Plan: Improving Services for Children and Young People 2010/11- 2011/12' You can view the consultation response here You can also view NICCY’s    Overview of Speech and Language Therapy Provision in Northern Ireland (2005)...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=9183 20th November YOUNG people are today (Saturday) challenging politicians on the issues that affect their lives in a special event to mark the 21 st Anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Hosted by the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, the event sees political representatives face 15 young people in a roundtable event....http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=9154 16th November 2010 The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, today issued a joint statement with the other UK children's commissioners on young carers. As part of NICCY's Make it Right Campaign the February theme was 'Supporting Families ' and the call to action was for: The Government should provide additional support for young carers Joint Statement...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=9068 1st November 2010 THE Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, today said there was an urgent need for change in all aspects of the youth justice system.  “It is crucial that the Youth Justice system has children at its heart.” said Ms Lewsley. “This will require joined up working across all Government, not just the Department for Justice.” Ms Lewsley...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=8918 11 October 2010 NORTHERN Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, has been appointed as Chair of the prestigious European Network of Ombudsmen for Children (ENOC). The network is made up of 37 countries and aims to promote the rights and best interests of children and young people at local, national and international level. “I am extremely honoured to be nominated...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=8834 4th October 2010 COMMISSIONER for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, today launched a consultation on her 2011-2014 corporate plan. Each three years the Commissioner prepares a corporate plan which guides her work throughout the period. “It is important that I hear from as many people as possible about the direction and nature of the work NICCY will be undertaking over the next three...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=8817 4th October 2010 COMMISSIONER for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, last week, told the Assembly’s Committee for Health, Personal Social Services and Public Safety that a new Safeguarding Board must be independent. In her submission to the Committee, Ms Lewsley said that it was important to make sure that the new regional body is given the powers it needs to be effective in strengthening...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=8628 1st October 2010 The Commissioner takes a stand to combat stigma of mental ill health in children and young people. COMMISSIONER for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, today expressed serious concerns about the high level of mental ill health among children and young people in Northern Ireland. The Commissioner said that, a further investigation is needed into what affects young...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=8525 28th September Landmark report launched on pupil’s experience’s of transferring to Post-Primary School ALMOST 1,000 pupils from across Northern Ireland have spoken out on the transfer to post-primary school last year, as part of a landmark report published today by the Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley. Talking at the event Ms Lewsley said: “Children have told me...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=9545 20th September 2010 The Commissioners today issued a joint statement on the future of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP). You can read the statement here. ...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=8479 15th September 2010 Parkgate pupils support for Newcomer Children PARKGATE Primary School pupils’ were today recognised for their Make it Right campaigning on Newcomer Children, by the Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley.  The Commissioner’s ‘Make it Right’ campaign, encourages children, young people, parents, carers, and teachers to campaign on children’s rights and...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=8459 7th September 2010 NICCY warns of damage budget cuts are causing already COMMISSIONER for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, today warned that budget cuts are already hitting home on vulnerable families. Ms Lewsley said cuts to existing budgets, plus any further reduction to children’s services, will create further disadvantage, breach children’s rights and cost the Government more...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=8378 1st September 2010 COMMISSIONER for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, today warned that education must be a priority for the Assembly over coming months. Launching her monthly campaign briefing, Ms Lewsley said that these were crucial months for each pupil starting the new term. "I am concerned that decisions need to be taken quickly over funding and post-primary transfer,"...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=8180 19th August 2010 The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, today met a group of girls from the REACT project in Banbridge, to recognise their contribution to NICCY’s ‘Make it Right’ Campaign.  NICCY’s ‘Make it Right’ Campaign encourages young people to take action to raise awareness of issues affecting them and to bring these directly to the attention of...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=8492 18th August 2010 Statement from the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People in response to the PSNI distributing photographs of young people. We are aware of the issue and have already been in contact with the relevant organisations about it. We have real concerns about breaches to children's rights. ...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=8103 4th August 2010 Young people challenge politicians and the media’s negative stereotyping MEMBERS of the Commissioner for Children and Young People’s Youth Panel and Young NCB (National Children's Bureau) NI today challenged politicians and the media not to assume they’re all ‘bad’. Today is International Youth Day and the young people said they wanted to use the date to say that they are fed...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=8038 30th July 2010 COMMISSIONER for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, today said children in care throughout Northern Ireland need stability to improve their life chances. As she launched her policy briefing on children who are in care or who have experienced being in care Ms Lewsley said they are among the most vulnerable group of young people. "Too often they do not achieve their...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=8013 27th July 2010 Ballyclare teenager challenges Junior Ministers on negative stereotyping NORTHERN Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People Youth Panel member Richard Tweed has told Government ministers to focus on positive messages and help end negative stereotyping of young people. The Ballyclare teenager met with Junior Ministers Robin Newton and Gerry Kelly, who have responsibility...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=7862 16th July 2010 - STATEMENT Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, today commented on the presence of children at recent civil disturbances across Northern Ireland. “I am deeply worried by the fact that children and young people are being put at considerable risk during riots in north Belfast and other parts of Northern Ireland. “I do not condone, in any way, any children...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=7788 12th July 2010 NORTHERN Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley today welcomed moves by Facebook and the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) to improve online safety. A new application launched today means Facebook users – and especially young people – have access to information and can report issues directly from their profile. “The internet has been a...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=7652 30th June 2010 Young people need support to end cycle of despair COMMISSIONER for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, today told an Assembly Committee of the urgent need to support the 41,000 young people not in employment, education or training (NEETS). In a briefing to the Committee for Employment and Learning inquiry into this issue Ms Lewsley said that it was the most vulnerable...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=7629 30 June 2010 Too little information and not enough help warns NICCY. Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY), Patricia Lewsley, today warned that children and young people with a disability face too many barriers in their lives. Ms Lewsley said that, from lack of information through to difficulties moving on from school, children and young people with a disability need...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=7510 18 June 2010 YOUNG photographers and film-makers have had their work recognised by the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY), Patricia Lewsley, at a prize giving event this week.  Children and young people from across Northern Ireland were asked last summer to show the Commissioner what is good or bad about play where they live.  The photographs and videos submitted...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=7487 16 June 2010 The benefits of children’s play will be celebrated by children and young people from across Northern Ireland on Sunday 20 th June at a ‘Play Day’ at the Ulster Museum, part of a major ‘Make it Right’ initiative by the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY). Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley said play was key...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=7472 10 JUNE 2010 NORTHERN Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, today called for Government to make sure all children are educated in a safe environment. Speaking as she visited Irish-medium school Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagain, Belfast, the Commissioner said that despite a good education being delivered she is concerned at the conditions some pupils have to endure. ...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=7452 9 June 2010 NORTHERN IrelandCommissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, today said that young people are key to the successful devolution of policing and justice. Ms Lewsley spoke after meeting Minister for Justice, David Ford MLA to exchange views on issues including community safety and attitudes to children and young people. “Minister Ford has already made several positive...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=7433 8 June 2010 NORTHERN Ireland’s Children’s Commissioner, Patricia Lewsley, today said that making the public aware of her work resulted in several thousand children and young people receiving help on complaints about services they receive. The Commissioner’s office has supported more that 3,000 children in receiving better services in health, education and many other aspects of their lives. “When...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=7353 27 May 2010 NORTHERN Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, today called for Government not to cut already underfunded children's services. As Ministers prepare to meet to discuss drastic spending cuts to Northern Ireland's budget Ms Lewsley said that any reduction in services could lead to children and young people's lives being drastically affected. "Everyone...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=7340 26 May 2010 THIS summer, many children and young people will struggle to find a suitable and safe place to spend their free time, said the Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, today.  The Commissioner emphasised that the importance of play in a child’s life should not be trivialised. “Play and leisure time is not a luxury; it is necessity,” said Ms Lewsley. “Play is vital...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=7252 17 May 2010 GOVERNMENT does not have accurate information on newcomer children living in Northern Ireland according to the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY), Patricia Lewsley. The Commissioner said the lack of accurate and accessible information on asylum-seeking families, unaccompanied children or child refugees makes it very difficult to provide them with the...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=7043 29 April 2010 Children's Commissioner and Older People's Advocate showcase intergenerational programmes PROJECTS that reach across the generations from the youngest to the oldest will be on display this week at the University of Ulster proving that age isn’t a barrier in binding communities together. The exhibition, which marks European Day on Solidarity between Generations on April...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=7011   23 April 2010 STUDENTS from six schools in Derry gathered today at Lumen Christi College to speak out about how they can have a greater voice in their school, wider community and in Government. More than 50 students, representing their school councils, met to share experiences and explore how they can have a say in the decisions that affect their lives. The student’s efforts are backed by...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=6826 7 April 2010 NORTHERN Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, has called on children, young people, parents, carers and teachers to ‘Make It Right’. Just over twenty years ago the UK Government signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) - a list of 42 promises the government has made to children and young people- but it has not yet become...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=6735 1 April 2010 Statement from the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, welcoming the decision to ban Mephedrone: “The protection of children and young people should be a priority for everyone. “The classification of drugs is a Home Office responsibility. When a substance is deemed to be a danger to children and young people, decisions must be made quickly...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=6703 23 March 2010 PUPILS TAKE ACTION ON POVERTY PUPILS from Parkgate Primary School were recognised for their work on child poverty by the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY), Patricia Lewsley, today.  NICCY’s ‘Make it Right’ campaign, launched earlier this year, encourages children, young people, parents, carers, and teachers to campaign on children’s rights issues...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=6699 24 March 2010 CHILDCARE students from Belfast Metropolitan College have handed in a petition containing over 200 names to Stormont Buildings, calling for better support for young carers in Northern Ireland. The petition urges the Government to do more to provide young carers, who care for a parent, grandparent, sibling or other family member, with better support and services. The student's efforts...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=6664 15 March 2010 NORTHERN Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY), Patricia Lewsley, today, called on the Government to do more to protect children in their communities. The Commissioner said that she has been very concerned at the approach government has taken to community safety and that a more positive focus on children and young people is needed. "The planned devolution...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=6102 17th February 2010 NORTHERN Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, today urged principals and teachers to increase existing efforts to tackle bullying. Following the publication of the Kids Life and Times Survey the Commissioner said she was worried at the level of bullying reported in the survey, but said help was at hand for concerned pupils. “I was very encouraged...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=6077 11 February 2010 YOUNG people were recognised for their work on child poverty by the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY), Patricia Lewsley, today in Enniskillen.    NICCY’s ‘Make it Right’ campaign, launched earlier this year, encourages children, young people, parents, carers, and teachers to campaign on children’s rights issues and bring their messages directly...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=5893 3rd February 2010 Commissioner urges Government to invest to help families NORTHERN Ireland Commissioner, Patricia Lewsley, will today tell an Assembly Committee that concerted action can reduce child poverty and its impact. The Commissioner was addressing the Committee of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, as it considered progress on recommendations from its inquiry into child poverty....http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=5657 26th January 2010 NORTHERN Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, today welcomed the first steps towards the creation of a Youth Assembly. Speaking as the Assembly Speaker launched plans to establish a youth panel to help shape the proposed new forum, the Commissioner congratulated the Assembly Commission on involving young people. “Putting young people at the...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=5604 25th January 2010 NORTHERN Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY), Patricia Lewsley, today launched a campaign to encourage children, young people, their parents, carers and teachers to 'Make It Right'. Twenty years ago the UK Government signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) - a list of 42 promises the government has made to children and...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=5549 Commissioner for Children and Young People recruiting young people 21 January 2010 NORTHERN Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY), Patricia Lewsley, is currently seeking 10 new recruits to join her in her work. The NICCY Youth Panel is made up of 25 young people from a wide range of backgrounds across Northern Ireland, aged from 12 - 18 years, or up to 21 if a young person...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=5498 12th January 2010 In response to the Ministerial Statement published today about the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre's (CEOP) future, Keith Towler, Children's Commissioner for Wales, Patricia Lewsley, Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Tam Baillie, Scotland's Commissioner for Children and Young People and Sir Al Aynsley-Green, Children's Commissioner for...http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=3427 June 2010 COMMISSIONER for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, today backed the work of a new All-Party Assembly Working Group on autism as important step forward to remove barriers to better services. Ms Lewsley said she was aware, through casework and meeting children and their parents, that too many young people were faced with too many issues because of having a condition on the autistic...