HSC Children and Young People's Emotional Health and Wellbeing Framework
Date published:
HSC Children and Young People's Emotional Health and Wellbeing Framework
Welcome to the publication page for the HSC Children and Young People’s Emotional Health and Wellbeing Framework (October 2026) and its accompanying Analysis of Public Consultation Responses. The Framework sets out a shared vision for improving the emotional health and wellbeing of children and young people across Northern Ireland over the next ten years, promoting a whole-system approach based on prevention, early intervention, partnership working and timely access to support.
Developed through extensive engagement with children and young people, families, practitioners, statutory services, community and voluntary organisations, and other key stakeholders, the Framework recognises that supporting emotional health and wellbeing is everyone's responsibility. It aims to strengthen collaboration across Health and Social Care, Education, local communities and the voluntary sector to ensure children, young people and families receive joined-up, evidence-based support at the right time and in the right place.
Central to the Framework is a clear commitment to a needs-led approach. Children and young people should be able to access appropriate support based on their individual needs and circumstances, rather than support being dependent on receiving a formal diagnosis. The Framework also promotes listening to the voices of children and young people, providing support as early as possible, improving transitions between services, and ensuring that care pathways are responsive, accessible and meaningful. [
The accompanying consultation analysis report summarises feedback received during the public consultation and demonstrates the strong support expressed for the Framework's vision. The report highlights the importance stakeholders placed on early intervention, integrated working, children's rights, regional consistency, workforce development, and meaningful involvement of children, young people and families in the design and delivery of services.
Together, these documents provide the strategic direction and evidence base for transforming emotional health and wellbeing services and supports for children and young people, helping to create a more coordinated, inclusive and responsive system that improves outcomes for children, young people and their families across Northern Ireland.
With the publication of the Framework, work will now commence on the development of a detailed implementation plan. This will include a dedicated Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) project to engage children and young people, parents, carers and stakeholders in shaping implementation priorities and delivery arrangements. The findings from this engagement will help ensure that implementation of the Framework is informed by lived experience and reflects the needs of children, young people and families. The implementation plan will set out the actions, milestones and governance arrangements required to deliver the Framework's outcomes through a coordinated, whole-system approach across statutory, community and voluntary sector partners.