Policy, legislation and professional practice relating to children in Northern Ireland (NI) has developed considerably in recent years. As a result there is an increasing emphasis on evidence-based prevention and early intervention. Our community is also safer, with children today much less likely to die or be seriously harmed as a result of abuse than the previous generation.
While significant progress has been made there is still much to do in tackling abuse and neglect, child poverty, barriers to educational attainment and mental ill-health. Children and young people also face new challenges as they navigate the path to adulthood. Professional staff, for example, are more often dealing with multiple and complex need, as well as issues related to the digital world, asylum and refugees.
This ‘Children’s Charter’ has been jointly developed by two of Northern Ireland’s leading charities, Barnardo’s NI and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC NI). In addition to local and national research, it is informed by our collective expertise gained over many years of frontline working, and underpinned by the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Reflecting issues identified by either or both organisations within the areas of (i) safeguarding; (ii) learning; and (iii) inclusion, the Charter highlights where further policy development by the next NI Assembly and Executive could make a positive difference to the lives of children, young people and families.