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Young People in Care Launch Know Your Rights Resource

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Four people pose outdoors in front of a light-colored building while holding large, colorful cards and a card game display. On the left, a purple sign reads “Hear Me Out! A Rights-Based Card Game” with speech-bubble graphics. One person holds several smaller game cards. In the center, a large pink card displays the number “18” and the text: “You are a child if you are under 18. You have rights under the UNCRC until you turn 18.” The card is labeled “Article 1 – Definition of the child.” On the right, a yellow card with a megaphone illustration states: “You have the right to say what you think about decisions that affect you, and adults must take you seriously.” The card is labeled “Article 12 – The right to be heard.” Bright sunlight creates lens flare across the image, highlighting the educational and advocacy-focused display.

16 July 2026

Today, young people in care will gather at The Gaff in Limerick to launch Know Your Rights in Care, a new resource and art exhibition based on their rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Led by EPIC Empowering People in Care with funding from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the project brought together care-experienced young people from Limerick, Naas and Castlebar to explore their rights through a series of creative workshops.

Working with artist Dani Gill, young people spent the past year exploring what their rights mean in everyday life and in the care system. Through painting, sculpture, collage and creative activities, they discussed themes including privacy, identity, belonging, personal boundaries and having their voices heard.

As the project developed, the young people worked together to create resources for other children and young people in care. They chose 18 rights under the UNCRC that they felt were most relevant, helped shape the language and imagery, and decided that a card game would be the best way to bring those rights to life. The result is Hear Me Out, a playable card game designed by young people in care, for young people in care. The project also includes a Know Your Rights in Care poster, a digital resource and an exhibition featuring artwork created throughout the workshops.

Conor Brophy, Chairperson of EPIC’s Board, said:

“Children in care have the same rights as every other child, but they’re often navigating decisions and systems that can be difficult to understand, so it is vital that they know what their rights are. That’s why this project matters. These resources were shaped by the young people who took part, drawing on their experiences, ideas and creativity.”

Cian Walsh, EPIC Youth Council member and project participant, said:

“This project gave us the chance to explore our rights in a different way. We talked about the things that matter to us, worked together to make art and designed resources that other children and young people in care can use. Knowing your rights is important, but it’s just as important that people listen when you speak up. I hope these resources help other young people understand their rights, ask questions and feel more confident having their voices heard.”

Copies of the Hear Me Out card game and accompanying Know Your Rights in Care poster will be distributed nationally through EPIC’s National Advocacy Service. A digital version of the resources, including the card game and exhibition, will also be available online, allowing more children and young people in care learn about their rights.