Children's Law Centre

Committee Evidence Children’s Services Co-Operation Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 THursDAY 12th March

While there has been some progress, including the adoption of a children and young people’s strategy and examples of effective joint working, CLC maintains that these developments are not yet embedded as a consistent, system wide approach to improving well being.

The second decade of the CSCA must focus on implementation, measurement and accountability, with a renewed commitment to co operation rooted in children’s rights..

How Can the Promise of the CSCA Be Realised? - Establish shared indicators of well-being - Implement transparent data collection - Ensure stable long-term planning - Co-design improvements with children and families

CLC has presented evidence to the NI Assembly Committee for Communities as part of its scrutiny of the implementation of the Children’s Services Co‑operation Act (Northern Ireland) 2015.

Find out more and read our briefing at buff.ly/jhFTtW8

The Children’s Law Centre and South Tyrone Empowerment Programme (STEP) have jointly responded to the UK Government’s consultation on A Fairer Pathway to Settlement, raising serious concerns about the impact on children and families.

Read more at buff.ly/7e1fScJ

The Ten is Too Young Coalition welcomes the tabling of an amendment to the Justice Bill that would raise NI’s age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 16, without exception.

This is a chance to make our justice system fairer, safer and more effective - childrenslawcentre.org.uk/ten-is-too-y...

Episode 7 of Rights Unmuted tackles the problem or racism and racial stereotypes experienced by children in Northern Ireland.Youth@CLC member Holly is joined by guests Samuel and Thatso from Diverse Youth NI, and Sara from Include Youth.Find all our podcasts at childrenslawcentre.org.uk/podcasts/

Today our CEO, John O'Doherty, was delighted to take part in the Empatheyes VR Training provided by Angel Eyes NI.

Understanding the experiences of children and young people with visual impairment is critical when supporting them. Excellent training that really makes an impact.

This week was sexual health week.

If you need information on sexual health, contact Informing Choices NI #SexualHealthWeekNI2026

Happy Care Day 26 from everyone at CLC #CareDay26

Today at 2pm, CLC will be presenting to the Education Committee, alongside NICCY and Deirdre Shakespeare to discuss restrictive practices, including restraint and seclusion.

Watch on the NI Assembly's Live Stream 2 - niassembly.tv/live-stream-2/

Hybrid Training: Introduction to Children's Rights - 19th March, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Our Introduction to Children's Rights training draws on 30 years of experience in advocacy, participation, advice and legal representation across education, health and youth justice. Join us for training that brings children's rights to life.

Find out more at buff.ly/2mZzolA

A big thanks to Include Youth and Diverse Youth NI for joining Holly on our podcast to discuss the topic of racism in Northern Ireland.

The episode will be coming out soon. Make sure you search for Rights Unmuted and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

#RightsUnmuted #Podcast #Racism

Our next training session will cover the child's right to a family and private life. Make sure you book to learn more about the clear obligations on the state to respect children’s privacy, identity, expression and family connections.

Book today at buff.ly/6gHfbQN

Training - New Training Announced for March

Hybrid Training - The Child's Right to Family and Private Life - 11th March | 1:30pm-4:00pm

Hybrid training - Introduction to Children's Rights - 19th March | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Hybrid Training - Protecting the Rights of Autistic Children - 25th March | 1:30pm - 4:15pm

We have now launched our new learning opportunities for March. Delivered by experts in children's rights to ensure you are in the best place to defend the rights of all children and young people.

Find out more at buff.ly/yJqx9rv

Every child has the right to healthcare.

CLC has called for strengthened guidance, verification processes and oversight, and an independent review mechanism for GP patient removal decisions, as recommended by the Ombudsman.

Read more at childrenslawcentre.org.uk/protecting-c...

Briefing cover with title reading: 'Ten is Too Young: The Evidence for Raising the Age of Criminal Responsibility in NI' - Jan 2026

The Ten is Too Young Coalition has launched a new briefing outlining the evidence for raising the age of criminal responsibility in Northern Ireland.

You can find the briefing at childrenslawcentre.org.uk?mdocs-file=8...

Our youth panel Youth@CLC have had their first planning meeting of the new year. They welcomed some new members, reflected on the success of Rights Unmuted, and planned for the year ahead #YouthVoice #ChildRights #Podcast #RightsUnmuted

On this International Day of Education, let’s remember that education is a right, not a privilege. Here are some of the laws that underpin those rights #InternationalDayOfEducation #DayOfEducation #EducationForAll

podcast Breaking the Silence: Ending Gender Based Violence Brought to You by Youth@CLC

“These are not isolated incidents... This isn’t just about somebody’s anger and they can’t control themselves and lost it one day. This is a pattern of behaviour that’s abusive” - Helen

Episode 5 Out Now Search for Rights Unmuted on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts or Castbox. Or see link in profile

Our latest podcast features Youth@CLC members Lila, Emma, Sienna and Helen Crickard (Reclaim the Agenda). They talk about ending violence against women and girls, misogyny in schools and the role of online platforms.

Search for Rights Unmuted or go to www.childrenslawcentre.org.uk/podcasts

“Every child is legally entitled to full time education on an equal basis. Yet CLC continues to see barriers for children with special educational needs and disabilities. It is shocking that poor planning, under-resourcing and failure to promote equality of opportunity has led us to this point.” - Rachel Hogan BL, SEND Specialist Legal Adviser at CLC

The story of five year old Arthur is shocking, but sadly not surprising. CLC continues to see children and young people denied their right to a full education - www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Left to right: Fergal McFerran (Policy and Public Affairs Manager at CLC); Jon Burrows MLA; John O'Doherty (CEO at CLC); and Rachel Hogan BL (SEND Specialist Legal Adviser at CLC). All standing together in the Great Hall at Stormont's Parliament Buildings.

CLC had a constructive meeting with Jon Burrows MLA which covered a wide range of areas, including children's rights in the digital environment, the experiences of children with special educational needs and disabilities as well as youth justice issues.

podcast Rights Without Borders Brought to You by Youth@CLC

“25% of wounded children will suffer some sort of permanent paralysis or injury, 56,000 children have lost one parent or both of them, and 320,000 children under the age of five will suffer malnutrition” - Mohammed

Episode 5 Out Now Search for Rights Unmuted on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts or Castbox. Or see link in profile

Episode 5 of Rights Unmuted is out, where Ella and Oliver discuss global rights with guests Patrick Corrigan (Amnesty International), alongside Mohammed Samaana who grew up in Palestine and moved to Belfast 25 years ago.

Find the episode at childrenslawcentre.org.uk/podcasts/

Episode 4 of Rights Unmuted is out now. Listen to hear Youth@CLC chat with SSUNI and our SEND Specialist Legal Adviser about rights in the classroom.

Find it wherever you listen to your podcasts.

They're a bit late, but it looks like our elves saw some of the issues facing children in NI and wanted to recap one of the general principles of the UNCRC: non-discrimination. This means every child has the same rights, no matter their background. Thanks for reminding everyone, Elves🫡🎄 #UNCRC

We want you to shape the continued growth and success of CLC. Make sure you complete our stakeholder survey. And if you work with children and young people, please encourage them to complete the youth survey.

Find the surveys at buff.ly/dNtKCNG

International Human Rights Day 2025

Today we celebrate International Human Rights Day, recognising the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights almost 80 years ago.

No matter what, we'll keep standing up for children's human rights.

#HumanRights #InternationalHumanRightsDay #UDHR #Rights #ChildRights

Newsletter CHILD RIGHTS MATTERS

Latest News - Help Shape the Future of CLC - Children’s Services Co-operation Act: 10 Years On - SEND Transformation Must Deliver Real Change for Children

Podcast THe Right to Feel Ok: Facing the Crisis in Children’s Mental Health in Northern Ireland

Latest Publications - Education Committee Briefing on SEND Transformation - Response on the Future of GCSE’s, AS Levels and A Levels

Our December newsletter is packed with info on children's rights. From the latest episode of Rights Unmuted, through to SEND transformation, children's services co-operation and our latest publications.

Subscribe to get all your latest child rights news from CLC - mailchi.mp/childrenslaw...

Despite years of work under the SEND transformation programme, many children still face delays in accessing the support they need.

Read more at childrenslawcentre.org.uk/childrens-la...

COMMITTEE EVIDENCE SESSION Strategic Review of Current SEN Provision and Transformation Agenda WEDNESDAY 3RD DECEMBER, 3:15PM

Don't miss our legal team giving evidence on SEND provision reform and transformation today from 3:15pm during the NI Assembly's Education Committee.

You can watch it live on NI Assembly TV livestream 2 - buff.ly/Gala62a

Hybrid Training Advocating on behalf of children in neeD 2nd Dec | 1:30PM-4:30PM

Do you want to gain a clear understanding of the legal framework governing children’s rights, statutory duties, and best practice in representing their interests.

Then don't miss our Advocating on Behalf of Children in Need training next week.

Book today at buff.ly/9jxIbtJ

Work With Us Trainee Solicitor Justice First Fellowship

“This role offers the opportunity to work with and learn from CLC’s experienced legal, advice and policy teams” - John O’Doherty, CEO

Job Title: Trainee Solicitor Reports to: Senior Solicitor, Children’s Law Centre Location: Belfast Salary: £24,796 (Point 3, NCJ Scale) plus IPLS Fees for Solicitor Practice Certificate, QUB Hours: 35 hours per week Duration: Fixed term 29 months Start Date: April 2026

Applications Close Friday 28th November 2025

The deadline for applications to our Trainee Solicitor post is fast approaching. Don't forget to apply before it's too late.

The deadline is this Friday. Find out more at buff.ly/EI2T6j9

Pictured L-R are: Fergal McFerran, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at the Children's Law Centre; Rachel Hogan, SEND Specialist Legal Adviser at the Children's Law Centre; Carla Kingsman; John O'Doherty, CEO at the Children's Law Centre; Professor Bronagh Byrne, Director of the Centre for Children's Rights at Queen's University Belfast; and Steven Agnew.

Today CLC and the Centre for Children's Rights at Queen's held an event that included contributions from those involved in the development of the Children's Services Co-operation Act, duty bearers and children’s sector organisations.

Read more at buff.ly/eMnHaTe