Menu
21/06/2023
Executive Needed For Urgent Reforms Of Social Care Services
With more than 4,000 young people waiting for assessment, an Executive is urgently needed to reform children's social care service in Northern Ireland.
Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA and Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA made the call following the publication of a new report on the service, which outlines 53 recommendations.
Ms Long said: "I welcome this report from the review panel, which is clear urgent action is required for those children and families who rely on social care services.
"However, we risk the report becoming another review sitting on a dusty shelf without an Executive to implement the changes or recommendations. Further delay in restoring the institutions will mean more children in Northern Ireland suffering worse outcomes as the system is overwhelmed. We need to take preventative measures and bring down referrals to be more in line with other jurisdictions on these islands.
"The longer we go without an Executive, the further Northern Ireland falls behind and the more we let down these young people."
Ms Bradshaw added: "Families and young people need and deserve better social services. We must ensure our health and social care services support people throughout their lives, and all children and young people are given the best start in life.
"This report spells out improved ways of cross-departmental working, which can ensure children and young people here have the very best support and care. We know early intervention is key to many aspects of health services and children in care are often at higher risk of trauma and mental health issues. Yet, here we have another example of long waiting lists for public services.
"I congratulate Professor Ray Jones and his panel on such a comprehensive report, and hope political leadership will not be lacking in the implementation of its recommendations. We cannot continue to shirk our responsibilities to children and young people."
Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA and Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA made the call following the publication of a new report on the service, which outlines 53 recommendations.
Ms Long said: "I welcome this report from the review panel, which is clear urgent action is required for those children and families who rely on social care services.
"However, we risk the report becoming another review sitting on a dusty shelf without an Executive to implement the changes or recommendations. Further delay in restoring the institutions will mean more children in Northern Ireland suffering worse outcomes as the system is overwhelmed. We need to take preventative measures and bring down referrals to be more in line with other jurisdictions on these islands.
"The longer we go without an Executive, the further Northern Ireland falls behind and the more we let down these young people."
Ms Bradshaw added: "Families and young people need and deserve better social services. We must ensure our health and social care services support people throughout their lives, and all children and young people are given the best start in life.
"This report spells out improved ways of cross-departmental working, which can ensure children and young people here have the very best support and care. We know early intervention is key to many aspects of health services and children in care are often at higher risk of trauma and mental health issues. Yet, here we have another example of long waiting lists for public services.
"I congratulate Professor Ray Jones and his panel on such a comprehensive report, and hope political leadership will not be lacking in the implementation of its recommendations. We cannot continue to shirk our responsibilities to children and young people."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 February 2020
NI Charity Advocates For Youths Growing Up In Care
A local charity is calling on the United Nations to officially designate Care Day as the International Day of Care Experienced People to support children and young people who are or have been in care.
NI Charity Advocates For Youths Growing Up In Care
A local charity is calling on the United Nations to officially designate Care Day as the International Day of Care Experienced People to support children and young people who are or have been in care.
24 January 2022
Major Review Of NI's Children's Social Care Services Announced
A major review of Northern Ireland's children's social care services has been announce by Health Minister Robin Swann, to get underway in February 2022. Professor Ray Jones will be the independent lead reviewer assisted by an Advisory Panel.
Major Review Of NI's Children's Social Care Services Announced
A major review of Northern Ireland's children's social care services has been announce by Health Minister Robin Swann, to get underway in February 2022. Professor Ray Jones will be the independent lead reviewer assisted by an Advisory Panel.
26 October 2005
Child Commissioner hits out at treatment of disabled
Children's Commissioner Nigel Williams has described the treatment of some disabled young people in Northern Ireland's hospitals as "appalling". Mr Williams was responding to the first government report on medical treatment for disabled children in Northern Ireland, called 'Care at its best'.
Child Commissioner hits out at treatment of disabled
Children's Commissioner Nigel Williams has described the treatment of some disabled young people in Northern Ireland's hospitals as "appalling". Mr Williams was responding to the first government report on medical treatment for disabled children in Northern Ireland, called 'Care at its best'.
27 September 2018
Report On Children And Young People's Mental Health Services Welcomed
The Department of Health (DoH) and Health and Social Care Services (HSC) are "committed to delivering real and meaningful improvements" to child mental health services. A spokesperson for the DoH made the commitment following the publication of a report by the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY).
Report On Children And Young People's Mental Health Services Welcomed
The Department of Health (DoH) and Health and Social Care Services (HSC) are "committed to delivering real and meaningful improvements" to child mental health services. A spokesperson for the DoH made the commitment following the publication of a report by the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY).
25 May 2005
New legislation to help young people leaving care
NIO Health Minister Shaun Woodward today announced the publication of Regulations and Guidance to improve services for young people leaving care. The Children (Leaving Care) Act (Northern Ireland) 2002, provides a new legal framework for those leaving care and also the provision of aftercare services.
New legislation to help young people leaving care
NIO Health Minister Shaun Woodward today announced the publication of Regulations and Guidance to improve services for young people leaving care. The Children (Leaving Care) Act (Northern Ireland) 2002, provides a new legal framework for those leaving care and also the provision of aftercare services.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
