NICCY’s duties and powers

You can read a summary of NICCY’s duties and powers below:

Rights and Duties

Under Article 7 of the Order the Commissioner is under a duty to:

(a)   Promote an understanding of the rights of children and young persons.

(b)   Promote an awareness of the importance of those rights and a respect among children and young persons for the rights of others.

(c)    Promote an awareness of matters relating to the best interests of children and young persons.

(d)   To keep under review the adequacy and effectiveness of law and practice relating to the rights and welfare of children and young persons.

(e)   To keep under review the adequacy and effectiveness of services provided for children and young persons by relevant authorities.

(f)     To advise the Secretary of State and the Assembly on matters concerning the rights or best interests of children and young persons.

(g)   To communicate effectively with children and young persons and their parents and raise awareness of the function and location of the Commissioner and how they can contact her.

(h)   To seek the views of children and young persons in exercising her functions.

Articles 8-15 outline the Commissioner’s general powers where she can:

(a)   Undertake, commission, or provide financial or other assistance for research or educational activities concerning the rights or best interests of children and young persons or the exercise of her functions.

(b)   Issue guidance in relation to any matter concerning the rights or best interests of children or young persons.

(c)    Conduct investigations as she considered necessary or expedient to meet her duties listed above.

(d)   Compile information, provide advice, and publish any matter (including research, educational activities, investigations, and advice) concerning the rights and best interests of children and young persons.

(e)   Make representations or recommendations to any body or person relating to the rights and best interests of children and young person.

(f)    Assist with complaints to relevant authorities.

(g)   Bring, intervene, or assist in legal proceedings.

A full copy of the legislation is available to download here in pdf format here.

You can also view it at the following link: The Commissioner for Children and Young People (Northern Ireland) Order 2003