Education Minister visits Beechcroft

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has visited a multi-million pound Regional Child and Family Adolescent Mental Health facility in Belfast.

Speaking after the visit, the Minister said: “The adolescent unit became fully operational on 8 February 2010 and the child and family unit will become operational next week.

“Located on the original Forster Green Hospital site, the new facilities include an Intensive Support Learning Unit where children and young people admitted for care can continue their learning. The staff from the South Eastern Education and Library Board deliver the education programme for up to 40 young people aged 4-18 years.

“This is an excellent example of my Department and the Department of Health working together to deliver real outcomes for our young people. So far this year, the Department of Education has earmarked funding of £465,000 to deliver the education services in this unit. We must respect the rights of children and do all we can to ensure they receive the care and education they need.”

Notes to editors:

1. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 99 715 440 and your call will be returned.