Executive's Children and Young People's Strategy published

Education Minister, Peter Weir, today launched the Northern Ireland Executive’s Children and Young People’s Strategy 2020-2030 for Northern Ireland.

Children and young people strategy

The strategy is the strategic framework through which departments will work together to improve the well-being of all children and young people.  It lists eight outcomes to be achieved for all children and young people.  These cover many aspects of children’s lives including their physical and mental health, play and leisure, learning and achieving, safety and stability, economic and environmental well-being, contribution to society and rights and equality. 

 Peter Weir said: “The document stresses the importance of allowing children and young people opportunities to participate in society and to have their voice heard and their views respected, especially on issues which affect them.

“In addition, there is recognition of the contribution which children and young people make to society, through volunteering and youth work or as carers for family members, and the need to support them as they do this.”

Issues which children, young people and stakeholders have identified as requiring particular attention are also highlighted as the ‘40 areas of greatest focus’.

Continuing, the Minister said: “These will be the focus of departments’ efforts over the coming years.

“The issues identified include matters which are central to the lives and well-being of children and young people. They include early intervention, emotional well-being and mental health, inclusion of children and young people with a disability, tackling bullying; improving educational achievement and experience, improving support for rural young people and supporting the rights of all children, particularly those who experience any form of discrimination.

“Following on from the publication of this strategy, a three year delivery plan will be developed setting out the key actions that departments will take to help achieve the outcomes.”

The Executive Children and Young People’s Strategy 2020–2030 can be accessed through the Department of Education website - Children and young people's strategy 2020-2030 

Notes to editors: 

1. The Children’s Services Co-operation Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 requires the Northern Ireland Executive to adopt a strategy for improving the well-being of children and young people.  A draft strategy was issued for public consultation in December 2016 but the failure to form an Executive following the 2017 elections meant that an Executive strategy could not be finalised.  The Executive Children and Young People’s Strategy was approved by the Executive on 10^th December 2020 and is intended to align with the forthcoming Programme for Government and set out the framework for progressing children’s issues.
2. The eight outcomes in the strategy are:

• Children and young people are physically and mentally healthy
• Children and young people enjoy play and leisure
• Children and young people learn and achieve
• Children and young people live in safety and with stability
• Children and young people experience economic and environmental wellbeing
• Children and young people make a positive contribution to society
• Children and young people live in a society which respects their rights
• Children and young people live in a society in which equality of opportunity and good relations are promoted.

3. For further information on the Strategy, please visit: Children and young people's strategy 2020-2030
4. Follow us on Twitter @Education_NI and our Facebook page, Department of Education Northern Ireland.
    
5. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Telephone: 028 9127 9772. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer number 028 9037 8110.

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