Care Leavers’ Question Time – taking the talk to Stormont

Basil McCrea MLA and a local children’s charity challenged Northern Ireland’s local politicians to consider the real impact of their decisions on young people leaving care.  Voice of Young People in Care (VOYPIC) invited MLAs to Care Leavers’ Question Time at Stormont where they were quizzed by young people in care and care leavers.

Basil McCrea MLA hosted the event in The Long Gallery, Stormont for VOYPIC as a follow up to the first Care Leavers’ Question Time held last October during National Care Leavers’ Week.

MLAs attending VOYPIC’s event faced some tough questions.  Young people were keen to make the most of every opportunity to express their views on the issues of concern about the care system and how it affects their lives.  Speaking at the event, Basil McCrea, MLA said:

“I am very keen for these young people to engage in our political establishment, in order to fully explain their problems.  In many cases, young people in the care system have been failed by the government.  As politicians, we must engage and do all within our power to solve any problems highlighted and to nurture all of our youth.”

Vivian McConvey, Chief Executive of VOYPIC introduced the event saying:

“I believe that care experienced children and young people should be part of big and small conversations about their needs and rights.  Care Leavers’ Question Time is part of a big conversation which we started very successfully last October during National Care Leavers’ Week and I’m grateful to Basil McCrea for providing us with this follow up opportunity.

 I hope that today’s conversation and debate will help to inform future planning and decision making.  Care leavers are a uniquely vulnerable group in society and today’s event will raise public awareness of the challenges they face.”

The majority of children and young people grow up in the safety of their family enjoying care and protection, however, for some children this is not the case and the state has a duty to intervene and ensure their safety.  VOYPIC believes that the state’s care system should do the very best it can to support children’s wellbeing and promote the future success of young people.  Vivian McConvey went on to say:

“VOYPIC’s aim is to get the point across to policy makers that many of the systemic problems which hold care leavers back from full participation in society come from a lack of joined up policy thinking.  Not every solution requires new resources - some problems can be solved by better planning and cooperation.”

Fourteen MLAs attended the event and were asked questions by upwards of fifty young people with experience of the care system. MLAs were also asked to sign a pledge that they would “continue the conversation with VOYPIC about the rights and needs of care experienced children and young people.” 

-          Ends   -

For further information please contact:

James Knox, Public Affairs and Communications Manager, VOYPIC

Phone: 02890 244888