by EPIC Admin | Oct 20, 2017 | Vacancies
EPIC is a national charity, working with and for children and young people who are currently living in care or who have had experience of living in care. This includes those in residential care, foster care, hostel, high support and special care, as well as children and young people preparing to leave care and in aftercare. EPIC currently provides the only independent national 1:1 advocacy and support service to children and young people in care and aftercare and also works in the areas of research, policy development and child and youth engagement and participation. In carrying out its role EPIC works both directly with children and young people and also with other organisations that work with children and young people in care. We are currently seeking to recruit a Communications Officer. The Communications Officer will take a lead role in the development and implementation of a communications and PR strategy to ensure that key organisational objectives are fully realised. These include promotion and media engagement, website and social-media development, relationship building and the dissemination of information to a diverse range of stakeholders. The Communications Officer will promote EPIC on a national and international level and ensure that EPIC policy positions and messages are clearly and effectively communicated to a wide range of audiences. This is a part-time position (2 ½ days per week) with an initial one-year fixed term contract. The position will be based in EPIC’s national office in Smithfield, Dublin. The salary for this position is €28,000 per annum. Application form, job description and person specification, terms and conditions can be accessed below: Application for employment - EPIC Communications Officer...
by EPIC Admin | Aug 30, 2017 | Aftercare
5th National Care Leaver's Day Conference Day(s) : Hour(s) : Minute(s) : Second(s) Following on from last years’ conference “OUT ON MY OWN” we are delighted to announce our upcoming conference on 13th October 2017 in Dublin Castle, sponsored by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. “What’s Good Enough?” To celebrate the 5th National Care Leaver’s Day EPIC and Care Leaver’s Ireland are hosting an innovative conference aimed at young people moving towards Aftercare, in Aftercare and Professionals who work with them. The focus of the conference is “What’s Good Enough?” promoting the positive transition from care to aftercare, highlighting the importance of positive mental health and creative therapeutic interventions, how can we improve educational outcomes for care leavers and discuss pathways to accommodation for young people in aftercare. Date: 13th October 2017 Time: 9.30am – 4.30p.m. Venue: The Printworks, Dublin Castle (Map) Price: +16 In Care & Care Leavers Free Professionals €50.00 + Booking Fee Students €25.00 + Booking Fee For tickets please see booking link below: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/whats-good-enough-tickets-36187941106 Download PDF of...
by EPIC Admin | Feb 19, 2016 | Press Releases
‘5 Nations, 1 Voice’: Alliance connecting care-experienced young people launches with #CareDay! Five charities representing children in care and care leavers are joining together to connect and support these young people to shape policy and effect change across the UK and Ireland. As part of the 5 Nations, 1 Voice alliance launch, Friday 19 February 2016 has been named #CareDay, with activities planned across the nations. Supported by a £499,745 grant from the Big Lottery Fund, 5 Nations 1 Voice brings together Who Cares? Scotland, The Who Cares? Trust (England), Voices from Care (Wales), VOYPIC (Northern Ireland) and EPIC (Ireland). Each organisation is uniquely positioned in their own nation, and they share a common purpose: to represent the views or promote the voices of care-experienced young people to improve their experiences and outcomes. 5 Nations 1 Voice will build connections among care-experienced young people across the UK and Ireland. These young people experience similar challenges whether they grow up in Aberdeen or Aberystwyth, Belfast or Bath, County Cork or the Cairngorms. 5 Nations 1 Voice will create opportunities for young people in care and care leavers to build supportive networks with their peers, both face to face and online. The alliance hopes to build confidence and resilience among young care-experienced people, particularly about their identity. 5 Nations 1 Voice will advocate for increased protection for care-experienced people in law and ensure that they are integral to shaping policy that affects them. This could include measures that introduce more stability and security into their lives. Each organisation has experience of effecting change in their own nations; through this project, they...
by EPIC Admin | Feb 19, 2016 | Blog-events-announcements, Press Releases
JOINT PRESS STATEMENT: EPIC and TUSLA Celebrate #CAREDAY 2016! Immediate Release: 19/02/16 Where: Ombudsman for Children’s Office, Millennium Walk, Strand Street, Dublin 1. When: 19th February 2016 EPIC and Tusla - The Child and Family Agency will officially launch and celebrate the first National Care Day on the 19th of February 2016. This is a special day marked to celebrate the positive experiences and lives of children and young people in State Care. A special event will take place at the Ombudsman for Children’s Office in Dublin where a number of young people will present to invited guests. Director of EPIC, Jennifer Gargan stated: “Today EPIC and Tusla launches what we hope will be an annual event that continues to grow. Care Day aims to increase public awareness and celebrate the talents and achievements of children and young people in care. We hope that this event will show the importance of highlighting the many positive experiences young people have in care.” Fred McBride, Chief Executive, Tusla stated “Tusla are pleased to celebrate in partnership with EPIC this first National Care Day in Ireland. It is important for us as an Agency to acknowledge and honour the many achievements of children and young people in care.” Care Day will also be celebrated on February 19th in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales as part of a wider campaign to promote a positive care identity for young people across all 5 Nations. ENDS This event can only be attended by invitation only. If you are interested in attended this event, please contact EPIC at (01) 8727661. You can follow and engage in this...
by EPIC Admin | Feb 16, 2016 | Good News
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by EPIC Admin | Feb 11, 2016 | Foster Care, Press Releases
Immediate Release: 11th February 2016 A HIQA Inspection report of a private fostering care service provider released today highlights a considerable number of placements for children in care ending in an unplanned manner. While the inspection outlines how many children were happy and well cared for, poor matching of children with foster carers and training needs and supports of foster carers were linked to these placement breakdowns. Speaking today, Director of EPIC Jennifer Gargan commented: “Despite the positive experiences of quality care for many children, the report highlights that approximately one quarter of placements for children broke down over this period with no reasons outlined as to why these placements terminated and no steps to prevent this from re-occurring. It is clear further supports for foster carers, particularly, first time foster carers, are required. It is deeply concerning that in some cases there was no evidence of care plans or placement plans. The actions HIQA has outlined now need to be acted upon promptly.” Evidence both from national and international research highlights the importance of stability for children in care and its significance in determining positive outcomes for children in care. Notes to the Editor At the end of quarter 3 in 2015, there were 496 children in private placements. 62% (307) of these children were in private foster care and 36% (171) were in private residential placements. See Tusla’s Integrated Performance and Activity Report http://www.tusla.ie/uploads/content/Q3_2015_Integrated_Performance_and_Activity_Report_Final.pdf (accessed 11/02/16) For all media enquiries or to arrange an interview please contact: Jennifer Gargan, Director of EPIC Telephone: 01 8727 661 Mobile: 086 607 3866 Email: jennifergargan@epiconline.ie Website:...
by EPIC Admin | Feb 11, 2016 | Good News, Press Releases
Diary Notice: EPIC Goes Into the West! When: Monday, February 15th from 2pm-5pm Where: ILAS Building, NUIG, Galway. Immediate Release: 11th February 2016 EPIC will launch its National Advocacy Service in the West region on the 15th of February 2016. The aim of EPIC is to raise issues of concern for children in care and promote young people’s participation in decisions relating to their care. The expansion of EPIC’s Advocacy Service in the West means children and young people in care in this region will have easier access to an independent Advocate. Speaking prior to the launch of the service, Director of EPIC, Jennifer Gargan commented: “The aim of EPIC’s advocacy service is to ensure that every child in care has an opportunity to be heard. We have experienced an increasing number of referrals as our Service continues to grow. The expansion of our service in this area will provide for an accessible, equitable and direct 1:1 advocacy service for young people locally based in the West region. EPIC’s role is to empower young people in care and ensure that the voices of children and young people are heard both at an individual and systemic level; to impact on change within the care system.” The goals of EPIC are to ensure that the participation of young people in care is promoted, that young people’s rights are upheld and young people are able to access services and resources they require. Ends There are currently 6,346 children in the care system in Ireland. Of these 1,460 children and young people are in care in the West. (Figures from Tusla as of...
by EPIC Admin | Feb 9, 2016 | Blog-events-announcements
Celebrating the First National Care Day EPIC will launch and celebrate the first National Care Day on the 19 February 2016 Venue: Ombudsman for Children’s Office, Millennium Walk, Strand Street, Dublin 1. Date: 19 February 2016 Time: 2.30 – 4.00p.m. This is a special day marked to celebrate the positive experiences of children and young people in state care. EPIC will facilitate a special event where a number of performances and presentations will be made by young people to invited guests at the OCO, Dublin. The event is part of a larger campaign that EPIC are involved in with their partner organisations across the Five Nations:- England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. As part of the event EPIC will launch their Postcard Campaign and we will call on everyone to tweet your wishes for children and young people in care using the # below #CareDay...
by EPIC Admin | Feb 4, 2016 | Press Releases
Immediate Release: 4th February 2016 EPIC welcomes the recommendations published by the Committee on the Rights of the Child. A number of essential recommendations have been outlined by the Committee in order for the State to uphold the rights of children. Children with disabilities in care and young people preparing to leave care are two vulnerable cohorts identified in the report. Speaking following the publication of the UNCRC Concluding Observations, Director of EPIC, Jennifer Gargan said: “EPIC strongly welcomes the recommendations made by the Committee. A number of key issues and actions required for children in care have been outlined including: ensuring procedures are in place for every child to be heard by their social worker and in court proceedings; implementing effective needs assessment and care planning; and guaranteeing that every young person leaving care has supports available to them. EPIC continues to see discrepancies across the country in aftercare service provision. The implementation of equitable aftercare services is imperative. Every young person should obtain the necessary supports upon leaving care. In light of the revelations of the horrendous foster care abuse in the past week, the follow-through on these recommendations are vital. EPIC calls on every election candidate to commit to the implementation of the actions required.” For further details of key recommendations, please see section on Notes to the Editor. Notes to the Editor Key recommendations made by the UNCRC for children in care include: Ensuring procedures are in place so that every child has their voice heard by social workers and the court. Effective implementation of needs assessment, care planning and record keeping for children...
by EPIC Admin | Feb 3, 2016 | Press Releases
3rd February 2016 The recent revelations that two young women with intellectual disabilities were left in an abusive foster care home despite evidence that it was unsafe again highlights the exceptional vulnerability of our children in the care of the state. The fact that over 40 children with disabilities were placed in this foster care home needs us to re-examine how we ensure that every child in Ireland is protected and safeguarded, in particular those children most vulnerable-children in the care of the state and children who are literally without a voice. Director of EPIC, Jennifer Gargan made the following comment: “It is important, and indeed necessary, for these young women and their families to receive an official apology, an acknowledgement of the wrong that has been done to them. However, even of greater importance is the necessity to have an independent investigation of how and why this abuse of vulnerable young people was allowed to happen and continue for many years. It is necessary in order to understand how it happened and to prevent it happening now or ever again. As corporate parent the State has a statutory and moral responsibility for the protection and welfare of all children in its care. It has failed to do this in the past and needs to act now to make sure that we do not repeat the failures of the past and allow this horrendous abuse of our most vulnerable children to happen again.” EPIC believes that there are a number of key actions which would provide greater protection to children in care, and particularly to those most vulnerable, those...
by EPIC Admin | Feb 2, 2016 | Rights
The recent revelations that two young women with intellectual disabilities were left in an abusive foster care home despite evidence that it was unsafe again highlights the exceptional vulnerability of our children in the care of the state. The fact that over 40 children with disabilities were placed in this foster care home needs us to re-examine how we ensure that every child in Ireland is protected and safeguarded, in particular those children most vulnerable-children in the care of the state and children who are literally without a voice. EPIC, as the only organisation that specifically advocates on behalf of children and young people in State Care, knows the importance of listening to each child individually and the significance of having a strong relationship with an independent Advocate as a protective factor against abuse. In 2009 the Ryan Report made robust recommendations to ensure that every child has a voice, however, the findings of the PAC Committee have illustrated that this has simply not been the case where the abuse of one woman with an intellectual disability occurred up until as recently as 2013. It is important, and indeed necessary, for these young women and their families to receive an official apology, an acknowledgement of the wrong that has been done to them. However, even of greater importance is the necessity to have an independent investigation of how and why this abuse of vulnerable young people was allowed to happen and continue for many years. It is necessary in order to understand how it happened and to prevent it happening now or ever again. As a matter of routine...
by EPIC Admin | Jan 14, 2016 | Press Releases
14th January 2016 State under Scrutiny by UN Committee on the Rights of the Child Today the Irish Government will be examined on upholding children’s rights by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva. Children’s rights organisations have been working together to highlight the current gaps in service provision and policy for children and young people in Ireland. EPIC has been part of the Children’s Rights Alliance UNCRC Project Steering Group which compiled the Parallel Report to Ireland’s Third and Fourth Combined Report under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Speaking today, Director of EPIC, Jennifer Gargan commented: “Today is a very important day for children and their rights in Ireland. One of the most vulnerable cohorts of children is those in State Care. These young people are extremely vulnerable – before, during and after leaving care, with little or no family supports. Both national and international evidence has demonstrated that children in care have poorer outcomes than their peers in terms of education, employment and mental health issues, and are at greater risk of homelessness and imprisonment than the general youth population. Latest published figures show there are currently 428 children in care without an allocated social worker and 604 children without a written care plan. Having a social worker and a written care plan are significant indicators in ensuring that these children are protected and can have their voices heard in the decision-making process. In order for this to be achieved TUSLA require sufficient resourcing to adequately provide social work services and meet their statutory obligations.. It is a matter...
by EPIC Admin | Dec 11, 2015 | Press Releases
EPIC Welcomes Ban on Slapping Children Immediate Release: 11th December 2015 EPIC welcomes the Government’s ban on slapping children which effectively came into force at midnight. The new law removes the defence of ‘reasonable chastisement’ where a person uses corporal punishment against a child. Speaking today, Director of EPIC, Jennifer Gargan stated: “We welcome this move by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. This is a step in the right direction in ensuring the protection of all children and embedding values in Irish society that any form of violence against children is unacceptable. By removing this defence, it further promotes a cultural shift in Irish society to ensure that children are equally protected and respected. Responsibility lies with all of us in upholding this. However, there is strong evidence of the need for supports to be accessible and available to parents especially those who are most vulnerable. This is apparent by the 40,000 child protection and welfare referrals made annually to Tusla.” EPIC calls on the Government to promote parenting supports and develop an awareness-raising campaign to foster positive discipline strategies. Ends A parenting support document is available on the statutory body website responsible for child protection and welfare, Tusla (The Child and Family Agency) http://www.tusla.ie/parenting-24-seven The Committee on the Rights of the Child is due to examine Ireland’s obligations to children under the Convention on the Rights of the Child in January 2016. For all media enquiries, or to arrange an interview please contact: Jennifer Gargan, Director of EPIC...
by EPIC Admin | Nov 5, 2015 | Press Releases
Immediate Release: 5th November 2015 A report published by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has identified the lack of suitable placements available during inspection of a children’s residential care home. The HIQA report highlighted that despite staff attempting to maintain young people’s placements to ensure for stability, these placements were no longer suitable to meet the young people’s complex needs. Speaking following publication of the report, Director of EPIC, Jennifer Gargan stated: “This report highlights the need for comprehensive assessment and care planning in order to identify suitable placements which can provide high quality care for young people with complex needs. The report shows that more intensive residential support and special care places are required with staff who have a wide range of skills and expertise to meet the needs of the young person.” While the report highlights positives such as that young people were aware of their rights, worryingly, the report indicates that interventions used by trained staff did not always result in young people being safe. Ends For all media enquiries, or to arrange an interview please contact: Jennifer Gargan, Director of EPIC Telephone: 01 8727 661 Mobile: 086 607 3866 Email: jennifergargan@epiconline.ie Website:...
by EPIC Admin | Oct 22, 2015 | Press Releases
Immediate Release: 22nd October 2015 The independent watchdog, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), have today published findings following an unannounced follow-up inspection of the children detention schools at Oberstown campus. The report highlights a number of recurring issues including: the use of restrictive intervention of single separation, inconsistent care planning, medication management and staff training. Speaking following publication of the report, Director of EPIC, Jennifer Gargan made the following comment: “The overuse of single separation has still not improved despite previous HIQA recommendations. Single separation should only be used as a last resort and for the shortest duration of time. EPIC is also particularly concerned about the lack of faith young people have in the complaints system- despite a surge in the number of complaints made by young people in the more recent period. It is extremely important that young people know that their complaint will be taken seriously and addressed as soon as possible.” The report also highlights the need for consistent care planning for all young people placed in detention and the need to address gaps for staff training. It must be acknowledged that it is a time of huge change at Oberstown Campus as the service is being developed and expanded therefore, it is vitally important as the number of young people increase, high quality, safe and consistent care is provided to these young people where the Campus is fully-resourced in order to achieve this. Note to the Editor A follow-up inspection by HIQA on Oberstown Campus will take place before the end of December. The current report is available to view at the following...
by EPIC Admin | Oct 21, 2015 | Press Releases
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 21st October 2015 EPIC warmly welcomes the publication of the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2015 as a step in the right direction towards our ultimate goal of full legal entitlement to aftercare services for all young people leaving care. The Child and Family Agency, Tusla, will now have a statutory obligation to ensure young people leaving State Care have an aftercare plan. Jennifer Gargan, Director of EPIC, today said “Any step forward is positive and I warmly welcome the long awaited publication of this Bill. However, an aftercare plan based on a needs assessment should not be curtailed by resources and resource issues continue to hamper the delivery of services by Tusla. We would like to see this Bill address the fact that there is no right to appeal the needs assessment for the aftercare plan carried out by Tusla, and we would like to see specific mention of the need for aftercare preparation to begin years before a young person turns 18. EPIC will continue to advocate for further changes in legislation.” The provision of an aftercare service is a support that all young people leaving care require. Young people leaving State care are particularly vulnerable and need a well-planned and timely aftercare service. Aftercare continues to be one of the main presenting issues for young people engaging with EPIC’s National Advocacy Service and this new statutory entitlement to an aftercare plan will help towards the ultimate goal of a right to a fully resourced and equitable aftercare service for...
by EPIC Admin | Oct 7, 2015 | Press Releases
‘ATTENTION CARE LEAVERS! CARE ABOUT YOUR HEALTH’ Celebrating the 3rd Annual National Care Leavers Day IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 7th October 2015 EPIC and Care Leavers Ireland will host the 3rd annual, National Care Leavers conference on Thursday 8th October 2015. The event will take place at Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8. The conference is aimed at care experienced young people and professionals working in the sector. Speaking ahead of the conference, Director of EPIC, Jennifer Gargan made the following comment: “EPIC and Care Leavers Ireland are delighted to be hosting the third National Care Leavers conference. This is a youth-led conference where Care Leavers and practitioners learn and share knowledge with each other. Having a holistic approach to ensuring positive outcomes for young people includes all aspects of health: physical, sexual and emotional health including building positive relationships. This conference hopes to create awareness around all of these aspects. We hope this conference will be interesting, informative and inspiring to both young people and professionals.” Noel Howard, Director of Care Leavers Ireland added: “The conference’s strength is its ambitious scope around care leavers’ health in a holistic sense with many challenging aspects in the plenary sessions and workshops. The conference brings together care leavers and professionals which makes for a unique blend and is mutually beneficial. Care Leavers Ireland is proud to be associated with Ireland’s National Care Leavers Day.” Notes to the Editor The conference runs from 9.00-16.30. Young people with care experience can attend this conference for free. Entry costs for professionals or other interested parties are €50.00 and students €25.00. To book your place, visit eventbrite.ie Care...
by EPIC Admin | Oct 5, 2015 | Press Releases
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 5th October 2015 EPIC has been talking about inadequate funding of services for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, since its inception. EPIC strongly supports Gordon Jeyes, CEO of Tusla, in his request for an increase in funding for the Agency. If we want an appropriate service for vulnerable children and their families then it must be properly funded. The Government must act and allocate the necessary resources in the next Budget. Overall budgetary constraints over the last number of years have disproportionally affected vulnerable families and many have been left behind. As our ability to spend on capital investments increases, we must recognise that investment in our families has to be a central priority and that investment made now will see rewards well into the future. Vulnerable families, children in care, and young people leaving care need appropriate and early supports to ensure their outcomes are positive. Without adequate resources front line staff cannot provide the level of care and cannot access the services that are required. Current staffing levels are unacceptably low, case loads are too high, and the thresholds for intervention cannot be met. Jennifer Gargan, Director of EPIC said: “Not intervening early enough has disastrous consequences for children, young people, their families and the country as a whole. It results in later interventions that are more costly and less effective. TUSLA cannot continue with its current level of resources, and EPIC calls on the Government to respond immediately to Gordon Jeyes’ request, with a commitment to provide the necessary funding. We cannot continue in this cycle of crisis intervention. Let us help children and...
by EPIC Admin | Oct 1, 2015 | Blog-events-announcements
Celebrating the 3rd Annual National Care Leavers Day SAVE THE DATE: 9.00-16:30, Thursday 8th October 2015 Where: Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8. Programme (PDF) Care Leavers Care About Your Health Conference Brochure Immediate Release: 30th September 2015 EPIC and Care Leavers Ireland will host its 3rd Annual National Care Leavers Day in Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8 on Thursday, 8th of October 2015. The theme of this year’s conference is promoting positive health for Care Leavers. Interactive workshops will focus on key aspects of health including: physical well-being, mental health, relationships, sexual health and advice for LGBT young people and professionals about coming out in care. Speaking today, Director of EPIC, Jennifer Gargan made the following comment: “It is extremely important that we raise awareness about promoting positive health amongst young people in care and for professionals working with them. This conference is unique because it is youth-led and targeted at young people leaving, or having left State Care. We, as practitioners and policymakers, have a shared responsibility in ensuring that young people are aware of the importance of keeping themselves healthy and building and maintaining relationships in order to achieve their full potential.” The conference runs from 9.00-16.30. To book your place, visit www.eventbrite.ie . Young people with care experience can attend this conference for free. Entry costs for professionals or other interested parties are €50.00 and students €25.00. Media interviews with the Directors and care experienced young people can be arranged on the day. For all media enquiries, or to arrange an interview please contact: For full details of the programme, please click on the...
by EPIC Admin | Sep 25, 2015 | Aftercare
Tusla has introduced a Standardised National Aftercare Allowance for young people who have been in care for 12 months on their 16th birthday or for 12 consecutive months prior to their 18th birthday. The weekly standardised allowance is €300 per week Information (below) from Tusla 1. How is the Aftercare Allowance determined? Every young person as part of their preparation for leaving care will have an Individual Financial Support Plan. This plan will be completed in advance of the young person turning 18 years of age. The plan takes account of all financial supports available to care leavers and is reviewed as part of aftercare planning. 2. What is an Individual Aftercare Financial Support Plan? An Individual Aftercare Financial Support Plan is an assessment of the financial needs of a young person. It is a standardised tool to assist in identifying all the financial support requirements for each young person. The Individual Financial Support will document all financial supports available to care leavers and financial supports required. It is expected that all care leavers will have access to an income of a minimum allowance of €300 per week. The €300 may be a combined amount from other departments/ agencies or may be paid in full or partly by Tusla. More information: Click here to view the full Guidance Document for the Implementation of the Standardised Aftercare...
