Ombudsman for Children launches Strategic Plan 2016-2018

Ombudsman for Children to shine a light on children with mental health issues, children with disabilities and children who are homeless

The Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, today (Wednesday) launched the Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO) Strategic Plan 2016-2018 before the Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs.

The Strategic Plan outlines the OCO’s vision and values, as well as three specific objectives which will inform the work of the office over the next three years. Included in these objectives is the challenge of shining a light on the rights and welfare of children with mental health issues, children with disabilities and children who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless.

Speaking following the launch, Dr Niall Muldoon said:
“It is our vision that we can work towards an Ireland where all children and young people are actively heard and respected, so that they experience safe, fulfilling and happy everyday lives. I will use the independence and power of my office, to the fullest extent, to bring this about.

“With a remit that covers all 1.2 million children in Ireland from birth to 18 years of age, the biggest challenge in developing our Strategic Plan was narrowing the focus. We consulted with children and members of the public before setting three important objectives for the next three years.

“My first objective as Ombudsman for Children is to increase awareness of children and young people’s rights, the UNCRC and the role of the OCO. Children and young people should know their entitlements and that they always have someone to turn to.

“Our second objective is to help public organisations to become more child conscious, to integrate child-friendly policies across all areas of their organisations. This would mean that the specific needs of children would be considered when it comes to health, housing and more.

“The third objective outlined in the Strategic Plan is to influence positive change for children and young people in Ireland. We have decided to focus specifically on children with mental health issues, children with disabilities and children who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

“It is the small, everyday things that matter to our children and make them happy, but for children affected by these issues getting the small everyday things is often a constant battle.

“Getting into a school should not be difficult for anyone in a democracy that values children’s rights; getting support to avoid your family becoming homeless should not be difficult in a fair economy and accessing a counsellor when you feel down should not be a fantasy for teenagers in a country with one of the best educated populations in the world.

“These objectives will not be easy to achieve. The success of this plan will very much depend on support from the general public, as well as public organisations. I am committed to effecting significant change and I will track the success of this plan over the next three years.”

ENDS

Contact:
Aoife Carragher
Ombudsman for Children’s Office
01 865 6806 / 087 148 4173

Notes to Editor

• The Ombudsman for Children’s Office is an independent statutory body with an overall mandate to promote the rights and welfare of children under the age of 18 living in Ireland.
• Among the Ombudsman for Children’s core statutory functions is the independent and impartial investigation of complaints made by, or on behalf of, children in relation to public bodies, as well as organisations providing services on behalf of the State.
• You can access the full Strategic Plan 2016-2018

• 20 July 2016
• Type: Press Release