Commissioner Welcomes Progress on Children’s Bill

Co-operation is way forward for children’s services

The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Koulla Yiasouma, welcomes the progression of Steven Agnew’s (MLA) Children’s Services Co-Operation Bill to the next consideration stage in the Assembly.

“I very much support the progression of the Bill tomorrow, as it is another step nearer to putting in place a much more joined up approach to how government provides and delivers services for children and young people.

“There is a considerable weight of evidence that very clearly shows, when there is full and meaningful coordination of children’s services, it has a positive impact on the lives of all our children and young people, and particularly for our most vulnerable.

“This Bill is significant, and will mean statutory agencies and departments have a duty to co-operate, working together in the planning, commissioning and delivery of children’s services.

“I congratulate the Assembly on the progress that has been made to date, and look forward to it reaching the final stage and becoming law.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• NICCY spoke at the introduction of the Bill in January (2015) – you can view the release here and view the speech here.
• For information please contact NICCY’s Communications team at 02890 311616 or via communications@niccy.org