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Profiling the population of disabled children and young people in out-of-home care in Northern Ireland
- Authors:
- KELLY Berni, DOWLING Sandra, WINTER Karen
- Publishers:
- Queens University Belfast, Northern Ireland. Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 99
- Place of publication:
- Belfast
This report presents an analysis of the profile of the population of disabled looked after children (LAC) and young people in NI across two distinct groups: 323 disabled fully LAC (living away from home on a full time basis) and 164 disabled children and young people looked after due to short breaks. It is the second phase of a wider study on the characteristics and experiences of disabled children and young people looked after in Northern Ireland. The report examines the demographic characteristics of the population; family background; looked after experience, such as reason for entry to care and placement type; safeguarding; education; access to mental health services and transitional support. It finds that the total of 323 disabled fully LAC represents 11.2% of the total LAC population, showing that disabled children and young people continue to be overrepresented in the LAC population (7% of the general child population in NI being disabled). Those who are fully LAC will have come into care because they cannot remain in their birth family home, often due to child protection concerns. Short break LAC are engaged with short breaks for family support reasons as well as a social and developmental opportunities for the child (although there are safeguarding issues for some). (Edited publisher abstract)