As part of the Children’s Social Care Strategic Reform Programme, overseen by the Department of Health, the Children and Family Charter has been developed by a cross-sector Task and Finish group. This work has been shaped through consultation with thirteen different groups of children, young people, parents and carers to ensure their lived experience is at the centre.
The purpose of the Charter is to make the children’s social care system in Northern Ireland easier to understand, more supportive, and more consistent for children, young people and families. By outlining what families should expect and what services must deliver, the Charter aims to:
- Inform rights: helping families understand what they are entitled to
- Increase accountability: setting clear standards for service providers
- Guide staff: focusing on what matters most to children and families
- Simplify complaints: making it easier to raise and resolve concerns
- Create consistency: ensuring a shared approach across Northern Ireland
We want to hear from you if you use or work in Children’s Social Care Services!
We now want to consult more widely on:
- The principles underpinning the model we have developed
- What could support or hinder its effective implementation
- The best ways to promote the Charter
Please complete the following survey to share your views. This will inform the further development of the Children and Family Charter.
For further information, please contact Dr Donna Kernaghan at donna@statsandstories.co.uk
