{"id":744,"date":"2016-07-20T09:38:47","date_gmt":"2016-07-20T09:38:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oco.ie\/?p=744"},"modified":"2017-10-25T09:40:25","modified_gmt":"2017-10-25T09:40:25","slug":"ombudsman-children-launches-strategic-plan-2016-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oco.ie\/ga\/news\/ombudsman-children-launches-strategic-plan-2016-2018\/","title":{"rendered":"Ombudsman for Children launches Strategic Plan 2016-2018"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ombudsman for Children to shine a light on children with mental health issues, children with disabilities and children who are homeless<\/p>\n

The Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, today (Wednesday) launched the Ombudsman for Children\u2019s Office (OCO) Strategic Plan 2016-2018 before the Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs.<\/p>\n

The Strategic Plan outlines the OCO\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Speaking following the launch, Dr Niall Muldoon said:
\n\u201cIt 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy first objective as Ombudsman for Children is to increase awareness of children and young people\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cGetting into a school should not be difficult for anyone in a democracy that values children\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

ENDS<\/strong><\/p>\n

Contact:
\nAoife Carragher
\nOmbudsman for Children\u2019s Office
\n01 865 6806 \/ 087 148 4173<\/p>\n

Notes to Editor<\/strong><\/p>\n