Funded by the Children and Young People’s Funding Package and developed by VOYPIC, the Voice of Young People in Care, the three booklets being launched are in response to the report ‘Care Matters in Northern Ireland – a bridge to a better future’, launched by the Department in 2007 and aimed at improving the outcome of care experienced children and young people.
Michael McGimpsey said: “I am delighted to have been asked to launch these guides which will provide child friendly information for young people on entering care, living in care and leaving care.
“For some of the 2,500 ‘looked after’ children and young people in Northern Ireland, coming into care can be a very frightening experience. These guides will help to improve the care experience of these young people.”
Each booklet is aimed at a different age group – the under 10's, 11-15 year olds and over 16 years.
The Minister concluded: “I commend VOYPIC for their work in developing this initiative as these guides will provide valuable information for children in the care system.”
Notes to Editors:
- There are around 2,500 children and young people in care in Northern Ireland and for many entering and leaving the care system is a very frightening experience.
- VOYPIC (Voice of Young People in Care) is an independent regional voice that seeks to empower and enable children and young people with an experience of care to participate fully in decisions affecting their lives. Their aim is to improve their life chances through working in partnership with children, young people, staff, managers, agencies and Government.
- This initiative has been funded out of the Children and Young People’s Funding Package. VOYPIC has been core funded by the Department since 1995 and in 2006 they won the tender to provide Advocacy and Mentoring on a regional basis under the Children and Young People’s funding package. This service will encourage a culture of listening to children and young people in care and give them a greater say in decisions affecting their lives.
- Media enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 2841. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.
