Have you ever thought of being involved in, or driving social change, policy, and its implementation?

Have you considered doing the above, by way of participating in research?

We know research can drive and informs social policy, and better inform system, like the care system or perhaps aftercare. Today we bring you two unique opportunities that may be of interest to our fellow Care Leavers. The first opportunity, is for Care Leavers aged between 25 and 35 years, which aims to explore educational pathways for adults, to better understand educational journeys, positive, not so and ongoing.

The second is somewhat different, as the researcher is looking to better understand the experience of young Care Leavers at 18, then again six months later and finally again a year later. This type of study is called 'Longitudinal' meaning the aim is to explore the journey over time and at different point of that time.  We have added some additional information below, and contact details for the two researchers seeking your participation. Please feel free to drop us a line info@careleaversnetwork.com if you wish to further discuss these two opportunities, we would be happy to assist where we can - CLN 

Care Leavers' Network, only promotes research opportunities which we feel are 1) needed in terms of gaps in 'Irish Context' research around relevant areas 2) there is the possibility of informing / influencing policy and 3) where an opportunity for active participation can be established. Therefore we are happy to direct our fellow Care Leavers to Eavan and Natalie, as we see their work as a great opportunity not to be missed. If you have a look, then decide it may not be for you, perhaps do as we have here and help spread the word among your network and afford others the opportunity. 

We wish you all the very best, including Eavan and Natalie conducting these studies.

Best Wishes,

CLN

Today FM Interview: Following on from Saturday's Feature Article in The Irish Times by Patrick Freyne, Yesterday Shane spoke with Matt Cooper on The Last Word. During the course of this interview, various "Solution" focused suggestion many from our Submission and Charter, were discussed and vital points made on hearing the vulnerable voice of children. You can play the interview back in full, link below.

Shane speaking to Matt Cooper - Today FM's Last Word

On Saturday 12th of November the brave story of our own Advocacy Manager - Shane Griffin was told by Patrick Freyne of The Irish Times. This emotional, rollercoaster brought us through Shane's early life as a child crying out to adults, for much-needed support, he wrote a letter to a judge, tried everything he could to be heard, as a vulnerable child. As Shane said "I'm one of many" and he really wants to see change, reform, accountability and to let all those with shared experience know they are not alone, to let kids in care today know they also are not alone. There is fantastic learning that can be taken from this story, one story, so much learning out there.

Feature Article by Patrick Freyne - The Irish Times

Feature Video by Enda O'Dowd - The Irish Times

Care Leavers' Network spoke to KFM Radio, in response to a damning HIQA report, into Foster Care Services in the Midlands. We highlighted our disgust at this report, how in 2016 we can still see issues that were around one – two decades ago. We also highlighted how this system reflects so poorly on young people, and also those dedicated and passionate social worker, and foster parents. This system is broken and we must see reform, so many vulnerable children are falling through the cracks of this broken system.

Full Interview

KFM Radio Article

Our Italian friends have launched a fantastic social enterprise, they have created an ice cream parlour brand that employs Care Leavers to work and manage their stores.

We wish the guys and gals at Agevolando continued success and best wishes, the impact they will have over time will be a game changer. Their advocacy work for some of Italy's most deprived and marginalised citizens is simply touching, keep it up folks!

If you would like to set up a Care Leavers’ Network in your country, we are here to help.  Please contact us at info@careleaversnetwork.com

We want to support the network of Care Leavers in many countries throughout the world!

Care Leavers’ Network founder Wayne Dignam’s speech at the Annual Conference of the Legal Aid Board on September 22^nd 2016.

Wayne's Speech Legal Aid Board 2016.pdf

Care Leavers’ Network on RTE News, campaigning for more resources to hear the voice of the child in Irish Courts.

https://www.facebook.com/rtenews/videos/1408268545868810/

Care Leavers' Network Ireland has submitted our pre-budget submission to the Department of Finance and Department of Children covering 2016 and 2017.