CYP Now - Government demonstrates poverty of 10-year strategy

I must admit some frustration at how slowly things can move forward in terms of government action for children, and how things that seem to have moved forward can appear to quietly slip back.

I have been Northern Ireland's commissioner for children for seven years and, in my final months in post, have been reflecting on the developments. When I came into post in January 2007, it seemed a time of promise, of potential progress for children and young people. A 10-year strategy for children and young people had recently been published and we were about to witness the restoration of devolution. We were hopeful that having locally elected politicians would result in more local accountability in legislation and initiatives that would meet the needs of local people.

Certainly, there is more political debate on important issues and I have developed constructive working relationships with government ministers with whom I meet regularly to discuss issues affecting children's rights and best interests.

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