New advocacy service for children in care extends to Mid Leinster

EPIC National Advocacy Service was officially launched yesterday, May 7 by Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald TD.
The service aims to empower, support and represent the views of children and young people in care and ensure that their voices are heard on issues and decisions that affect their lives. This extended service will provide a more, accessible and independent service for the most vulnerable children and young people in our society. 

      
EPIC’s (Empowering People In Care) advocacy service is based in Dublin, Mid-Leinster and the Southern region. However, EPIC also provides a service to the West mainly by referring children and young people to accessing the relevant service providers in this region. EPIC’s Advocacy Service provides a direct one on one service exclusively for children in, and leaving the care system.

Director of EPIC, Jennifer Gargan said “29 reports and reviews over many years have highlighted that young people at risk, or in care have consistently been invisible and unheard. This service will enable young people to access help and support, to have their views listened to and their concerns addressed.” 

      
There are currently over 6,000 children in the care system in Ireland. There have been an increasing number of children entering the care system in Ireland. HSE Figures show at the end of December 2012, there were 6,332 children in the care system. By the end of February 2013, this figure had increased to 6,397.