Intent: Significant Increase in Resources for Youth Justice Diversion Programs: We need to enhance the capacity of programs that engage young people before they enter the justice system[MH1.1]. Including targeted early intervention and prevention programmes.::Targeted Engagement: Specialised resources must be directed toward young people identified as being at high risk of engaging in criminality, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds.::Enhanced Youth Facilities: We call for the provision of increased youth activities and clubs with later opening hours to provide safe, stable environments for vulnerable children where they can build relationships with positive role models based in their own communities.::Statutory Footing for the National Review Panel: The remit of the National Review Panel must be urgently expanded and put on a statutory footing to examine all unexpected child deaths, not only those children already known to state agencies.::A Full Systemic Review: A comprehensive
Details: Urgent Request for Systemic Action Following the Tragic M9 Motorway Incident, 17th August 2026
Intent: To increase the awareness of the CEO of TUSLA of the issues being seen and support by EPIC and seek her support for resources to meet needs of children and young people in care.
Details: Met with CEO Kate Duggan to exchange information
Methods
Met Kate Duggan to exchange information first hand on the issues that EPIC is supporting children in care and care leavers with. Also raised our ongoing waiting list and EPIC's anxiety at not being able to respond to need. - Meeting
Intent: To secure additional supports for children and young people at risk.
Details: The provision of supports for separated children and the use of Special Emergency Accommodation for children and young people at risk.
Intent: calls for urgent, system-wide action to ensure that every child in the care of the State is safe, protected and supported to thrive
Details: Concern at the issues highlighted in recent RTÉ reports on Special Emergency Arrangements for children in State care, says IASW
Intent: increase in aftercare payment, review of statutory criteria for aftercare, ::input from EPIC Youth Council into policy development
Details: matters relating to aftercare policy eligibility, aftercare payment and and other policy issues related to children in care and young people with care experience
Methods
EPIC Youth Engagement and Participation Coordinator and members of EPIC Youth Council met with Kate Duggan in Tusla to discuss issues related to children in care including statutory eligibility criteria for aftercare and the need to increase the aftercare payment - Meeting
Intent: Increased resources for children and young people exposed to high levels of abuse and neglect; safeguarding measures needed for children and young people at risk of abuse and neglect
Details: The need for resources for children and young people exposed to high levels of abuse and neglect
Intent: Increased funding for support services helping families struggling with adversities and children dealing with trauma resulting from those adversities. Additionally, wanted to increase financial supports for low income families and families experiencing poverty and deprivation.
Details: Increased parental support to vulnerable families
Methods
Contacted TDs where we have services in their constituencies to better inform them about the support we provide to their constituents. - EmailMet with Keira Keogh as Chair of Children's Committee to outline the services that Barnardos provides across the country and highlight some of the issues families we support are facing. - MeetingMet with senior members of Tusla outlining benefits of increased funding for family support services - Meeting
Intent: Invitation to research report: Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in Ireland: Wellbeing, Living Experience, and The Need for Change on 09 September 2025 in RCSI Building, St Stephens Green, Dublin
Details: Invitation to FASD Ireland & RCSI Research Launch
Methods
Invitation to research report: Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in Ireland: Wellbeing, Living Experience, and The Need for Change on 09 September 2025 in RCSI Building, St Stephens Green, Dublin - Email
Intent: Information Exchange
Details: Special Care
Methods
Attended an Engagement on Special Care convened by Tusla in advance of the Publication of Report of the External Review Group on Special Care - Virtual Meeting
Intent: Improvement in the delivery of services to children accessing child protection and residential services.
Details: Child Protection
