AQW 7299/22-27

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 22/02/2024
Answered On Date: 07/03/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether he will update the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care Services to include young carers.

Answer:

The Independent Review of Children’s Social Care Services concluded and reported in June 2023 and the focus at this stage is turning to implementation, subject to the outcome of public consultation on the Review’s recommendations. Work is ongoing to analyse the responses to consultation and it is intended to complete that work in mid-late March 2024.

My Department recognises the need to support young carers to, among other things, protect their health and development in childhood. A Regional Young Carers Service (NIYCS) has been in place since 2007. It is delivered in partnership by Action for Children and Barnardo’s Northern Ireland under contract with my Department’s Strategic Planning and Performance Group. The service offers young carers individual support, information about illness, peer support groups, personal development, short breaks, advocacy, advice, and signposting to other relevant services.