Discharging children from a Belfast learning disability unit without support is a 'recipe for disaster', a mental health solicitor says
bbc.in/3UA7A4K

The issues around the discharge of children with severe complex needs, from a specialist regional hospital, will continue unless a robust system is put in place across all health and social care trusts.

Listen for more info (after 1:48) - bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0…

#RaisetheAge of criminal responsibility in NI - Michele Janes Barnardo's NI adds to the growing calls to raise #MACR in NI - latest in the series of articles - qpol.qub.ac.uk/raise-the-mini… Children's Law Centre (CLC) Children'sRightsQUB VOYPIC
Alternatives RJ Include Youth NIACRO Phil Anderson

Issues around discharge of children with severe complex needs from a specialist regional hospital have been ongoing for a long time. Recent sudden discharge of patients is shocking.

Listen to our mental health solicitor outline the problems (after 1:48) bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0…

Today we met with Deborah Erskine to discuss 'Close the Gap', our document that sets out some of the key children's rights issues to be dealt with by the NI Assembly.

You can read 'Close the Gap' here: childrenslawcentre.org.uk/?mdocs-file=57…

We recently met with Ulster Unionist policing board member Mike Nesbitt to discuss policing issues in relation to children and young people.

A horrendous time for all there, children, families & staff. The Department of Health Belfast Trust need to sort this urgently. Children's Law Centre (CLC) have continued to be fantastic advocates & fighting for our most vulnerable children

We've signed an open letter with 100 other organisations calling for a new Executive to be formed to tackle the #CostOfLivingCrisis . Local households of all shapes and sizes are being pummelled by rising costs and urgently need support.

Read the letter: tinyurl.com/CoLopenletter

The current crisis in the Iveagh Centre that led to children with complex needs being sent home at short notice without adequate support is an appalling failure in our health service. This issue needs addressed as a matter of urgency to prevent it happening again.

This looks like an excellent event.

Such a joy to meet with Fergal McFerran & rachelhogan from Children's Law Centre (CLC) to discuss plans to enhance the wellbeing of all young people by creating a more inclusive education system.

High on agenda:
✅ Harry’s Law
✅ Regulating hidden exclusion
✅ Children’s Services Co Order

CLC was pleased to contribute to this briefing. Human rights protections remain under threat and it's critical we protect the Human Rights Act and bring in further protections to incorporate the UNCRC into domestic law.

Help us update our NI stakeholder report. This is an opportunity to identify the current challenges facing our children and young people and how the failure to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child impacts them.

Read more: childrenslawcentre.org.uk/call-for-evide…

The #RightsRemovalBill has been shelved for now.

We're relieved as it would have had such a devasting impact on children.

But this isn't over yet. We still need to remain vigilant and ready to fight any attempts to weaken children’s rights protection.