New Initiatives for Children in Care Welcomed

Commissioner welcomes the Government’s overhaul of services for children in care.

The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, welcomes, the launch of the new ‘Care Matters’ strategy which aims to improve the lives of children and young people in the care system.

Ms Lewsley said “The launch of this consultation report is a very positive step forward and demonstrates the Government’s commitment to addressing the needs of one of our most vulnerable groups of young people.

The strategy sets out a number of important goals including reducing the number of children and young people in care and at the same time increasing the number of those leaving care who go on to enter education, training and employment.

I am pleased that the necessary funding has been identified to make sure these important actions can become a reality for the young people involved.

I would also encourage people to read the report and respond to its findings as part of the public consultation.

The steps outlined in this strategy are long overdue and as Commissioner I will be watching Government’s progress in taking these forward”.

ENDS

• You can view the Government’s press release here:
• For more information please contact Andrew McGall on 02890311616, or    Andrew@niccy.org