Care Leavers’ Question Time – looking for answers

Voice of Young People in Care (VOYPIC) challenged Northern Ireland’s policy makers to consider the real impact of their decisions on young people leaving care at Care Leavers’ Question Time on 26 October.  Two panels of local decision makers and commentators were quizzed by an audience of young people who had prepared and asked their own questions.

The event was a great success giving young people the chance to speak directly to decision makers as well as raising awareness of the challenges faced by care leavers who are a uniquely vulnerable group in society. 

Vivian McConvey, Chief Executive of VOYPIC, said“VOYPIC’s aim was 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.”

One panel member took the opportunity to organise a follow up. Basil McCrea, MLA, has arranged to meet a group of young people in Stormont in January to discuss their concerns.