AQW 52880/11-16

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 14/01/2016
Answered On Date: 18/02/2016
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on work to develop a post-2016 strategy for children and young people.

Answer:

The current Executive Strategy for children and young people is due to conclude in 2016 and therefore work is underway to develop a new strategy through a co-design process with other departments, stakeholders and children and young people.

A significant amount of work has been carried out to date which has included reviewing the previous strategy; analysing recent reports to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child; assessing available data sources; and engaging with departments and stakeholders. Initial stakeholder events were held in September and November 2015 and were followed up with a series of one-to-one meetings to discuss the key issues that need to be considered within the new strategy.

From these discussions early themes have emerged which will be tested with stakeholders. A panel of children and young people from across the community will also be invited to take part in the development of the strategy.

We expect the new strategy to build upon the positive aspects of the previous strategy; consider the key issues facing our children and young people today; and outline how Government will work collaboratively to improve the well-being of our children and young people.