Social participation of children and young people

in care

Ruth Barry 5 November 2014

VOYPIC is….

…a charity working across NorthernIreland promoting the rights and

improving the lives of children andyoung people cared for away from

home

VOYPIC’s VISION

That all children and young people who are cared for away from home will have

• A voice at the heart of all decision making• A meaningful say in their lives• Their rights fully respected• The opportunity to realise their full potential

in whatever way they choose

Our Life in Care CASI survey

• Three year pilot survey

• An independent survey of views and experiences of children in care

• 333 children & young people

Aims & outcomes of CASI

• Partnerships with HSC Trusts

• Local research for policy development

• Increase public awareness

• Represent children & young people in policy, practice and legislative forums

What is CASI?

• Computer Assisted Self Interview (CASI) survey done online or offline

• Inclusive and voluntary

• Three age appropriate questionnaires: 8 – 11, 12 – 15 and 16 – 18

• Accessible, anonymous and fun

Who took part?

• Three years, 333 children and young people

• Overall, 24% aged 8-11, 45% aged 12-15 & 31% aged 16 and over

• 68% were living in foster care, 25% residential care, 3% at home in care & 4% other placements

OLC key findings 2013

CARE & PATHWAY PLANNING - over 12s

•37% know “completely” about plans made

•29% “completely” agree with decisions• •27% have a copy of their care plan

CARE & PATHWAY PLANNING - over 16s

• 44% can talk to their PA about what’s happening in their lives

• 22% don’t know “at all” about their pathway plan

• 16% have a copy of their pathway plan

• 31% completely agree with decisions

• 48.5% have had four or more social workers since coming into care

• 83% see their current social worker once a month or more

• 88% have an adult they can trust

• 87% have good friends

Relationships & support

Education

• 90% in education/training/employment• 69% never miss or dodge school• 22% out of school for more than three

months• 41% of them got help to return• 76% of over 12s out of education for more

than three months were living in children's homes

OLC 2013 launch

• Report launched in Sept 2014

• Young people’s participation in launch:- Filmed & produced VOXPOPS- Young rep joint MC with CEO- present findings- Co- facilitated roundtable discussions

Q & A