EPIC Empowering People In Care

"So what can we do? One TD says "public embarrassment is often the biggest motivator in politics". It’s time for us to be collectively embarrassed at the state of the care system in Ireland, and the invisibility of children in care from our policy. It’s time for the next election cycle to focus on the most vulnerable children in our society and uphold their constitutional right to an education." ~ Tara Ciric (M.Ed.) #GE2024

Great things come out of CEEP meetings, where it truly feels like passion drives our discussions. When everyone shares the same commitment to care-related issues, it doesn't feel like work at all. Saturdays spent in these meaningful conversations are time well spent. Dr Róisín F. Keren O'Leary Clara O'Shea-Collins @alanFay, Angela & Clare Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. #CareExperiencesProgramme

“This report sounds the alarm: some of Ireland’s most vulnerable children are falling through the cracks. The key question now is how the State will respond.” Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, Special Rapporteur on Child Protection in response to the latest Child Law Project report, #FallingThroughTheCracks. The report will be launched this afternoon and offers a detailed analysis of child care proceedings in Ireland from 2021 to 2024. This the final report to be published under the Child Law Project's three-year grant from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

EPIC was thrilled to speak to students from South East Technological University Waterford yesterday for their Interprofessional Practice and Education Week, organised by the Department of Social Care and Early Childhood. EPIC was represented by members from across departments, including our National Advocacy Service, youth engagement and participation, research and our education project, providing students with a comprehensive insight into EPIC's work. A highlight of the event was a powerful discussion with care-experienced students. Adrian Sheehy, our Regional Advocacy Service Manager, described it as “one of the most enriching and valuable discussions I have listened to since joining EPIC.” Thank you to the team from SETU for hosting us and for facilitating such an engaging and impactful event! #CareAware

EPIC's Communications Manager, Caroline Reid, Advocacy Service Manager, Fiona Murray, and Youth Council member Kai had the opportunity to meet with Mary-Lynn Huxford from VOYCE - Whakarongo Mai last week. It was an insightful discussion, highlighting the important work VOYCE does in New Zealand and identifying some interesting similarities and differences in approaches to advocacy and support. As a bonus, Caroline and Fiona also gained some new tech skills, learning how to take the perfect 0.5 selfie! A heartfelt thank you to Mary-Lynn for the engaging conversation and for sharing her passion for working with children and young people. #CareAware

EPIC was delighted to attend the Irish Aftercare Network (IAN) Conference on Friday, where the central theme was “Quality aftercare - what is it and how can it be achieved?” Advocacy Officer Edel Weldon contributed as a member of the IAN committee, while Brenda Kneafsey, Catherine Adejuyigbe, Peter Lane and Pip Keogh from EPIC's National Advocacy Service team were also in attendance. It was wonderful to hear from some familiar voices, including emmanuel sherwin, who was involved in setting up EPIC 25 years ago and shared his insights from two decades as an advocate for care leavers. Dr Róisín F., a former EPIC Youth Council member, contributed to a panel discussing the Care Experiences programme. Additionally, Dr. Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin, EPIC Board Member, spoke about access to higher education. #CareAware

EPIC is proud to share the #ProudToBeAnAlly campaign as a member of the Trans Equality Together coalition. Everyone has a role in building an Ireland where trans and non-binary people feel safe, equal, and included. Being an ally makes a world of difference, and it starts with simple actions: - Listen to transgender people. - Inform yourself about trans topics and terminology. - Challenge anti-transgender comments, jokes or remarks. - Amplify trans voices - for example, share the #ProudToBeAnAlly campaign on your social media channels. Let’s work together to create a kinder and more supportive society for everyone🏳️⚧️ Learn more about the campaign: https://lnkd.in/ei4jiEGb

EPIC's Communications Manager, Caroline Reid, and Education Project Manager, Tara Madden, visited Microsoft Ireland yesterday to share information about EPIC's work supporting children in care and young care-leavers as part of Microsoft's Giving October initiative. Embrace Our Stories, a photo exhibition by care-experienced children and young people, was on display at Microsoft. Through a combination of images and voice recordings, the exhibition offers a unique window into their lived experiences and personal journeys. On Friday, EPIC had the pleasure of welcoming a fantastic team from Microsoft to our Dublin office to help redecorate and make the space more youth-friendly. EPIC would like to extend our thanks to the team at Microsoft for choosing to support its work, with special acknowledgement going to our Change Agent, Andrea Meyer, for making this possible. #Give2024 #GiveMonth

Yesterday, John Murphy, our Advocacy and Research Officer, represented EPIC at a roundtable event organised by the The Ombudsman for Children's Office. The discussion centred on the incorporation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Irish law, with Scotland serving as a key example. Bruce Adamson, Scotland's former Commissioner for Children and Young People, was the event's guest speaker. John highlighted Bruce Adamson's significant role in advancing children's rights in Scotland and left the event feeling hopeful that Ireland could follow a similar path in incorporating the UNCRC into national legislation. #CareAware

EPIC's Communications Manager, Caroline Reid, is delighted to be attending Kinship Care Ireland's #KinshipCareWeek event at Salesforce this morning. Please join us in celebrating Ireland's first ever Kinship Care Week and help to raise awareness for those who have stepped up to care for a child or young person in their lives. To learn more about kinship care in Ireland, visit www.kinshipcare.ie #KinshipCareCounts 🫶