An NI psychologist has said he is in no doubt a “sizeable suicide pact” surrounds a spate of deaths in County Armagh. Dr Arthur Cassidy has been working with young people from Laurelvale and the surrounding area after the suicides of three 15-year-old boys within a month.

Ten years after the main paramilitary ceasefires Northern Ireland remains divided, a BBC survey into children’s attitudes has indicated. State of Minds: The Children is the largest survey of its kind.

A report on the suicide of a teenager in April 2005 has found serious failure of care by the health service. Danny McCartan, 18, had a history of depression and self harm. The trust has apologised.

New figures from the Adoption Board show that around 500 children are being adopted here from other countries each year.

Childline founder and TV presenter Esther Rantzen will open a new base for the helpline in Londonderry on Friday. The base, located at Queen’s Quay, has been largely funded by the Department of Education.

Efforts to protect elderly people from abuse have been boosted by the creation of a new national organisation. The Health Service Executive announced it is to establish a National Centre for the Protection of Older Persons by January.

Six new super heroes have been recruited by the Stormont Executive to promote and defend the rights of children – Herbie Healthy, Sophie Safe, Archie Achiever, Emer the Eco Girl, Donna Does-A-Lot and Rory Rights.

The Northern Ireland Office is considering the introduction of tough new child sex offender legislation which includes the “chemical castration” of some offenders.

Roman Catholics have been advised to stop donating to the human rights group Amnesty International because of its support for abortion in certain circumstances.

The Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety has said he wants to ensure there is support for people who want to live independently in their own homes. Michael McGimpsey was speaking at a conference in Belfast where the role of new technology in assisting people to live at home was explored.