Gildernew launches youth action plan at Stormont

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA, has recently met with several representatives from the NI Youth Forum.

The Minister and the delegation discussed the Forum’s valuable work to help raise awareness of issues that impact on the lives of children and young people here.

During the meeting the Minister also took the opportunity to launch DARD’s draft Children and Young People’s Action Plan consultation. She said: "As a mother of three children in a rural area, I know only too well how important it is to take young people’s views into account. I am committed to ensuring that my Department listens to the voices and views of children and young people.

"It is imperative that they are involved in helping us shape the the policies and services that impact on their lives and well-being. I encourage rural young people and their representative organisations to read this first action plan and to let us have their comments. The deadline for submissions is 22 January 2010."

The draft Action Plan sets out the work that DARD plans to take forward over the next two years to encourage greater participation and engagement with children and young people. DARD has developed this plan with valuable guidance and support from the Participation Network.

Speaking afterwards Paula Keenan, Strategic and Operational Advisor of the Participation Network, stated that: "In producing a plan detailing specific actions for children and young people, sharing it with them and asking for their input, DARD is showing how government departments can take real steps towards delivering on the child's right to participate."

The NI Children’s Commissioner, Patricia Lewsley commented on the Plan adding: "Having already endorsed NICCY’s Participation Policy Statement of Intent, DARD has again publicly stated their commitment to involve children and young people in their work. While we will consider the content of the action plan and respond in due course, we welcome the fact the DARD included children and young people in the development of their action plan and would encourage other departments to take this approach."

Chris Quinn, Transitional Director of the NI Youth Forum added: "DARD should be congratulated on their approach in putting together their action plan. From the outset they have outlined their desire to engage directly with children and young people in developing policy and services putting their needs to the forefront; and have outlined how young people's voices will be heard in doing this work."

DARD’s draft Children and Young People’s Action Plan is available to read and download from the DARD website.

Consultation on the draft Children and Young People’s Action Plan will run until 22 January 2010.

Notes to editors:

1. Additional hard copies and alternative formats are available on request. Contact DARD Equality Branch.
2. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, telephone 028 9052 4619. Out of hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440, and your call will be returned.