New NI Health Minister launches Life in Care survey

Newly appointed Health Minister Jim Wells has launched the third report of the ‘Our Life in Care’ survey, which captures the views of 8-18 year olds living in care.

Speaking at the launch at the NICVA, Belfast, the Minister said: “I am very pleased that one of my first duties in office is to launch this report. We must listen to our young people and do all we can to ensure a comfortable and happy life in care. This is the third and final report from VOYPIC and makes a number of recommendations to improve the care and services we offer.

“I will look closely at all the recommendations contained in the report and will ensure that the needs, feelings and wishes of children and young people in care remain a central consideration when we make decisions affecting their lives.

“Through the survey, young people have reminded us that contact with family and friends, while they are in care, is still the issue of most importance to them and I understand that for the majority of them this is happening and working well.

“Another issue raised by young people through the survey was the lack of access to the internet in children’s homes. We listened and access to the Internet is now included in the Minimum Standards for Children’s Homes, which should mean that access is now being provided. While we all accept that the Internet is a wonderful invention, it is important that it is used wisely and safely.”

Voice Of Young People in Care (VOYPIC) introduced Our Life in Care – a Computer Assisted Self Interviewing (CASI) survey in 2011 as a three year pilot project to capture the views and experiences of looked after children and young people in Northern Ireland aged 8-18.

The pilot was the first time the majority of children in care in Northern Ireland were invited to share their views and experiences within a defined period of time. Over the three year period 333 children and young people completed the survey.

The Minister continued: “I noted from the survey that a number of the young people who took part in the survey have enjoyed placement stability and are active in education. However I have not missed the fact that for some there continues to be concerns about multiple placement moves within short periods of time and school attendance particularly for young people living in residential care.

“For some of you placement moves may be necessary but these should be kept to a minimum. We have set targets linked to placement moves and these are routinely monitored and, where they aren’t being met, they will be challenged.

“I hope that children and young people in care understand that I am listening and that my Department and the Trusts are acting on suggestions where we can.

“My thanks again to VOYPIC for the ‘Our Life in Care’ report and thank you to everyone who took part in the survey.”