Education of children in care in Ireland: An exploratory study

In 2007, we published baseline research on the principal barriers facing children in Ireland in the achievement of their rights. Children in care were one of several groups of children identified as facing multiple obstacles to the enjoyment of their rights.

When the circumstances and experiences of children in care come under the spotlight, the focus is often on matters relating to their safety, protection and welfare. While work to identify, highlight and address shortfalls in this area is vital, we should be mindful not to overlook or neglect other significant areas of these children’s lives. One such area is their education.

We commissioned the Economic and Social Research Institute and the Children’s Research Centre, Trinity College to conduct research to strengthen our understanding of the educational experiences of children in care and identify ways in which the Irish education system, in conjunction with health and social services, can best support attendance, participation and attainment in education by children in care. The research comprised three strands: a literature review, which considered developments in policy and practice in Ireland and in other jurisdictions; interviews with policy-makers, practitioners and carers in Ireland; and direct engagement with children in care and young care leavers.

• May 2013
• Type: Research
• Topic: Children in care, Education