We support, in principle, the proposed framework of values and practices, with some concerns within the process so far, that the active participation of the Children’s Sector or Children and Young People has not been adequately included. There is currently no clear or democratic representation of our Sector within the Joint Forum itself, which we think excludes a huge range of services and stakeholders from active participation, which is necessary to ensure a whole government response.
Barnardo's NI has been working collaboratively as part of the Reimagine Children's Collective to increase our capacity to respond jointly and constructively to the Independent Review of Children’s Services published by the Department of Health in June 2023. This has been done through an approach that embodies many of the ways of working listed as crucial in delivering the value of active participation. We have also made a public statement on the need to increase trust and collaboration within and outside of our Sector, with a whole-government approach that understands the importance of relational capacity in facilitating systems change. It is, therefore, vital that in the practices that deliver the values envisioned in this framework, inclusion of the Sector delivering services to the 0-25s and their families is facilitated within the Joint Forum and in the future engagement work it envisions.