AQW 27647/17-22
Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry
Tabled Date: 17/12/2021
Answered On Date: 19/01/2022
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the work their Department is doing to address disadvantage, in particular that which results from adverse childhood experiences.
Answer:
We want all children to enjoy their childhood and be supported to achieve their full potential. This requires joined up working across government and in partnership with the public, private and voluntary sectors. This is an important and challenging issue, but through continuing to tackle the causes and consequences of child poverty we will create a much brighter future for all. While the reconfiguration of departmental responsibilities in 2016 means that TEO no longer has direct responsibility for delivery in this area, a great deal of work is being undertaken across departments on this issue. The Department of Education leads on the Executive’s Children and Young People’s Strategy, which aims to improve the wellbeing of all children and young people in line with the PfG 2016-21 outcome “We give our children and young people the best start in life”. Additionally, the Department for Communities is leading on the development of the Executive’s Anti-Poverty, Disability, Gender Equality and Sexual Orientation Strategy. Strategy development will identify inequalities in relation to the strategies’ target social groups, with a focus on actions to address the issues, barriers and disadvantages that undermine equality of opportunity for all, including children and young people. The Executive’s 2016/19 Child Poverty Strategy has been extended to May 2022. It continues to provide focus to the Executive’s collective efforts to tackle the issues faced by children including those with adverse childhood experiences and families impacted by poverty. A key factor in addressing child poverty is assisting parents to access training, increase their skills and to ultimately secure well paid, quality employment. We must, therefore, focus on growing the local economy and providing the opportunities and support needed such as education, skills, inward investment, job creation, and accessible childcare to empower parents to access work. The Executive’s Building Forward – Consolidated Covid Recovery Plan will play an integral role in this. The entire Executive remains fully committed to the challenge ahead and to taking the necessary steps to help all children have better life chances.
|