Immediate Release: 4th February 2016
EPIC welcomes the recommendations published by the Committee on the Rights of the Child. A number of essential recommendations have been outlined by the Committee in order for the State to uphold the rights of children. Children with disabilities in care and young people preparing to leave care are two vulnerable cohorts identified in the report.
Speaking following the publication of the UNCRC Concluding Observations, Director of EPIC, Jennifer Gargan said:
“EPIC strongly welcomes the recommendations made by the Committee. A number of key issues and actions required for children in care have been outlined including: ensuring procedures are in place for every child to be heard by their social worker and in court proceedings; implementing effective needs assessment and care planning; and guaranteeing that every young person leaving care has supports available to them.
EPIC continues to see discrepancies across the country in aftercare service provision. The implementation of equitable aftercare services is imperative. Every young person should obtain the necessary supports upon leaving care.
In light of the revelations of the horrendous foster care abuse in the past week, the follow-through on these recommendations are vital. EPIC calls on every election candidate to commit to the implementation of the actions required.”
For further details of key recommendations, please see section on Notes to the Editor.
Notes to the Editor
- Key recommendations made by the UNCRC for children in care include:
- Ensuring procedures are in place so that every child has their voice heard by social workers and the court.
- Effective implementation of needs assessment, care planning and record keeping for children in care
- Prioritising special care services
- Committing that children with disabilities and mental health issues have their needs met where there is interagency co-operation between Tusla and the HSE.
- Preparing and supporting young people leaving care, providing them with assistance.
- Allocation of adequate resources to the Child and Family Agency to allow the Agency to respond to child protection referrals.
- Adequate resourcing to ensure implementation of the Children First Act and the Children and Family Relationship Act.
- Ensure detention is used for the shortest possible period.
- A child-rights approach in relation to government budgets.
- The full report on the Concluding Observations made by the Committee can be found here http://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=CRC%2fC%2fIRL%2fCO%2f3-4&Lang=en
- The State must submit its fifth and sixth periodic report by 27th October 2021.
For all media enquiries or to arrange an interview please contact:
Jennifer Gargan
Director of EPIC
Telephone: 01 8727 661
Mobile: 086 607 3866
Email: jennifergargan@epiconline.ie
Website: www.epiconline.ie