Deadline reminder! ⏰

EPIC is seeking an Advocate to work across our Southern Region. The successful applicant will be based in our Cork office📍

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 16th April

✏️epiconline.ie/vacancy-advoca…

#JobFairy

Minister Roderic O’Gorman TD today published the Participation of Children and Young People in Decision-making: Action Plan 2024-2028. Promoting the inclusion of children and young people in decision making at all levels

Press Release here: bit.ly/49C11F8

Shane Smart, our Youth Engagement + Participation Lead, visited IMMA to meet their Learning and Engagement team.

Last year, our Youth Council were invited by IMMA to participate in an EU project, so it was lovely to be back in their Creativity Hub today.

#CareAware

Very engaging Department of Further and Higher Education consultation on the Cost of Education. EPIC's Research and Policy Manager Conor highlighted how interagency cooperation and establishing #CareAware campuses can enhance student support

A statement from Trans Equality Together in response to the publication of the Final Cass Report.

EPIC is a proud member of Trans Equality Together, a coalition working to create an Ireland where trans people are equal, safe and valued.

Applications Closing Tomorrow!

buff.ly/4aMdqHB

If you are a school & you are looking for a comprehensive programme on interculturalism, equality & diversity, we highly recommend applying for the Yellow Flag Programme.

Concluding, Judge Kelly states that all stakeholders at the Tusla - Child and Family Agency Child Law Conference are here in good faith, with the best interests of the child genuinely at heart. Each referral to Tusla - Child and Family Agency represents an individual tragedy + proposals to improve the Child Care Act are welcome.

President of the District Court, Judge Paul Kelly, closing the Tusla Child Care Law Conference notes that it is astounding that in a country awash with money, we have arrived in a position where we cannot provide appropriate care+services to just 60 children with complex needs.

Katie Mannion, Managing Solicitor at the Irish Refugee Council, clearly outlines the challenges facing separated children seeking international protection, and the need for better supports, services+an improved age assesment process as they await a decision on their asylum application.

Social Work Team Leader for Separated Children Seeking International Protection at Tusla - Child and Family Agency, Deborah Chemhere, gives a really compelling and humane testimony on the situation of some of the children and young people seeking international protection in Ireland in the care of Tusla.

CEO of Children's Rights Alliance Tanya Ward gives a detailed and informative overview of the recent Tusla - Child and Family Agency multi-stakeholder consultation on improving policy and practice in relation to unnacompanied minors and separated children seeking international protection.

Dr. Maria Corbett of the Child Law Project highlights the urgent need for a National Strategy on Alternative Care, and welcomes the establishment of an inter-agency Committee on the implementation of an amended Child Care Act.

Colleagues from @Tigala+Tusla - Child and Family Agency present perspectives on the proposed amendments to the Child Care Act in relation to child care orders and practice. Thought provoking input on benefits+challenges of the proposed changes, including in relation to Interim Care Orders+ Voluntary Care

Bernie McNally states that the key to improving inter-agency cooperation is relationship+trust building - working together to ensure success and achieve common goals. Gives example of the PSNI's cooperation with Social Work on child safeguarding in Northern Ireland during COVID.

Robust panel on inter-agency cooperation at the Tusla - Child and Family Agency Child Care Law Conference. Bernard Gloster makes the point that there must be a positive presumption to cooperate across Government Departments+state agencies, along with a legislative imperative. This is what citizens expect

CEO of Tusla - Child and Family Agency Kate Duggan opens the Child Care Law Conference 24 outlining the current context in alternative care: 91, 499 referrals were made to Tusla in 2023, an increase of 10% on 2022, averaging 250 referrals a day. 60% of these referrals related to child welfare concerns.

#ThrowbackThursday

This time last year, we published a position paper calling on the government to enshrine the right to independent advocacy in legislation for care-experienced children and young people.

📖epiconline.ie/enshrining-the…

EPIC welcomes the publication of Tusla's Corporate Plan 2024-26. Our staff were engaged in a number of consultations on the plan, and are pleased to see the clear focus on increasing social work numbers and improved service delivery in Alternative Care.

Work with us! 🙌

EPIC is recruiting for an Advocacy Officer provide skilled independent advocacy support to children in care and young care-leavers.

Based in our Cork office📍

Deadline: 16th April⏰

Learn more: epiconline.ie/vacancy-advoca…

#JobFairy #CareAware

Tusla is currently recruiting Social Care Workers to work in our children's residential and special care services nationwide. To find out more please visit tusla.ie/careers