Consultation on Recommendations of Independent Review of Children's Social Care Services in Northern Ireland

The Independent Review commenced in February 2022 and concluded on 21 June 2023 with the publication of the Review Report.  The Review was conducted by Professor Ray Jones supported by a panel of three advisors and experts in the field of children’s social care - Marie Roulston M.A. CQSW. O.B.E, Professor Pat Dolan, and Her Honour Judge Patricia Smyth.

The Review Report makes 53 recommendations. The recommendations are primarily for the Department of Health and the Health and Social Care (HSC) sector, although some are relevant to the policy responsibilities of other government departments. Those departments were engaged in the Review and are also engaged as part of this consultation process.

There are some recommendations contained in the Review that we have already decided to implement, largely on the basis that there are some issues of an operational nature that need to be addressed more urgently.  In some cases, work to address them is already taking place.

The individuals and organisations affected by this consultation are children, young people and their parents / carers and families, community and voluntary organisations, public authorities in Northern Ireland and other government departments or arm’s length bodies. The list above is not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive.

Responses are welcome from anyone with an interest in or views on the subject covered by this consultation, but in particular:

•           those with lived experience of children’s social care services;

•           those from different groups and communities including from LGBTQIA+, minority ethnic communities and those with a disability;

•           organisations that provide support to children and families;

•           senior leaders, frontline professionals, such as those working in health and social care, education, housing and the criminal justice system;

•           academics and researchers; and

•           the general public.

There are three ways to respond to the consultation questionnaire by 1 December 2023 – online, email, or by post.

If responding via email or post, please complete the questionnaire via the link in the Documents section of this page. 

More details below

Hard copies of this document and copies in other formats (including Braille, large print etc.), can be made available on request.