Ombudsman for Children
@OCO_ireland
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This is our account about our work as a human rights body working to protect children's rights in Ireland. For complaints contact ococomplaint @oco .ie
Ireland
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'It's like we're forgotten.'
The Ombudsman for Children's Office investigated the living conditions for children on a local authority halting site.
Read our new report, No End in Site, here:
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'I became more socially awkward. I don’t know how to talk to new people'
Our survey, No Filter, hears directly from children for the first time on how they feel the Covid pandemic affected their everyday lives.
Here's more of what they had to say 👇
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🚨 Attention teachers 🚨
The OCO is carrying out a school survey with children about how they feel Covid impacted their lives.
If your school would like to take part email communications
@oco
.ie. It’s time to hear from children!
For more information:
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Our new report
#PlanForPlaces
highlights the need for adequate forward planning for school places for children with SEN and the challenges faced by families trying to secure a suitable place close to home.
Read the report in full here:
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Launching the
#MindTheGap
report, the Ombudsman for Children Dr Niall Muldoon says children with disabilities are one of the most challenged and vulnerable. "It is not right that they and their families constantly have to fight for what the rest of us take for granted."
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"Children of all ages are struggling to adapt to a new normal with no definite end date in sight. They should be commended for the strength and the resilience they have shown."
#YourOCO
offers advice for children and resources for parents
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Today marks International Day of People with Disabilities
#IDPWD2022
At Child Talks 2022, Sophia told us all about the challenges she faces as a young wheelchair user and the changes she wants to see in the world for people like her.
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Today at the Oireachtas Sub Committee on Mental Health, Dr Niall Muldoon raised concerns that 15 years after Vision for Change, we still do not have sufficient appropriate child and adolescent mental health services and supports.
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📝
#ResilienceTested
📝
There was a 79% increase in complaints to the OCO in 2021 – mostly linked to Covid-19. Read about these complaints, as well as our work on education, health and more in our Annual Report for 2021.
You can download the report here:
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Today the Ombudsman for Children's Office published 'Nowhere to Turn' - our new report on children being left behind by their parents in emergency departments, schools and respite centres in a desperate attempt to get services.
Read more:
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🚨 Child Talks is BACK! 🚨
At Child Talks, you can have your say on children's rights and the issues that matter most to you.
This year's theme is 'My Hopes for the Future' and we want to hear from you!
Head over to for more info💻
#ChildTalks2021
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A message from Dr. Niall Muldoon following his reappointment to the role as Ombudsman for Children for a further 6 years.
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Students have been left too long without answers about what will happen in relation to State exams. There has been a complete vacuum of information leaving young people stressed, anxious & distracted from the study they should be doing.
#LeavingCert2020
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Under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child a young person has 42 rights. Did you know that every young person has the right to a home, food, clothes, identity, education and health care? Take time out to
#KnowYourRights
because this
#empowersyou
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'Whether we're autistic or not, we all get overwhelmed at times.... it's important that you find what works for you.'
It's
#WorldAutismAwarenessDay
!
Some very wise words from 10-year-old Cuan who spoke at our Child Talks 2020 event.
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“Remember to treat children as children, have fun with them, and help them laugh, play and be active”.
A message from
#YourOCO
Dr. Niall Muldoon on
#WorldMentalHealthDay
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Today is International Day of People with Disabilities! Check out this inspiring GIF created by 10-year-old Annie from Mayo. Remember if you ever feel like something is impossible just think I'm Possible. Remember everyone in society has an important role to play.
#IDPWD2018
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Introducing
#MoreThanSchool
!
We want to hear directly from children & young people on how they feel returning to school. Are you happy? Are you nervous? What do you expect?
Send your submission to communications
@oco
.ie and be in with a chance of winning an iPad!
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‘Tá an-áthas oram bheith ar ais ar scoil’/ 'I'm delighted to be back in school.'
Thanks to Millie from Limerick for getting involved in
#MoreThanSchool
.
Send your submission to communications
@oco
.ie & be in with a chance of winning an iPad!
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Following the passing of a resolution in the Dáil yesterday, the Ombudsman for Children Dr. Niall Muldoon will have his name sent forward to President Michael D. Higgins for reappointment to the role (for a further six years).
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#WhatIMiss
We want to hear directly from young people! We want to know how the coronavirus & the lockdown has impacted you, your education, your home and your right to play & rest. Get creative and get involved in our competition
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'I will repeat my call to have an independent therapist available to every primary school. Having an easily accessible therapeutic service would aid the whole school community to know they are doing their best for every child.' - Dr. Niall Muldoon
📺:
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A message from Dr. Niall Muldoon on the failure to prioritise children with additional needs attending mainstream schools returning to the classroom.
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'My favorite subjects are history, art and PE. They bring out the happy side of me.'
Ava, aged 9, wrote a poem about what returning to school means to her. Thank you Ava for taking part in
#MoreThanSchool
!
Best of luck to all students returning back to school today!
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A message from Dr. Niall Muldoon on the importance of providing an education for those with very vulnerable family members who cannot return to school.
@issu4u
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What’s it really like for children living in Direct Provision accommodation?
We spoke to 12-17 year olds in centres across Ireland to get their views and experiences.
Read more in our new report
#DirectDivision
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🎧 LISTEN: Children share their views on living in Direct Provision in Ireland.
The
#DirectDivision
report will be launched at 11am.
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'It's frustrating that, just 5 months out from the beginning of the exam period, we are once again debating the way forward for the Leaving Certificate students.'
Read the full statement from Dr. Niall Muldoon in relation to Leaving Certificate 2022 here:
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“I welcome the decision announced tonight that schools & crèches will remain open as we move into Level 5. We’ve seen the negative impact of closures on the overall well-being of our children & young people & it’s vital we don’t lose sight of that.”
#YourOCO
Dr. Niall Muldoon.
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We want to hear directly from children & young people on how they feel returning to school.
Are you happy? Are you nervous? What do you expect?
Send your submission to communications
@oco
.ie and be in with a chance of winning an iPad!
#MoreThanSchool
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Today
#YourOCO
launches ’No Place Like Home’ a report on children’s views and experiences of living in Family Hubs. Over the course of today, we will upload short videos relaying the words of the young people. For now, read the report in full 👉
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WATCH: Children living in Direct Provision share their views and experiences.
Read our new report
#DirectDivision
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📣 Child Talks 2023 applications now open! 📣
We're looking for young people all over Ireland to take to the Helix stage and tell us about the issues that matter to them.
This year's theme is 'The Ireland I Want to Live In'
Apply to take part NOW:
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📢
@James22034777
telling us what young people think about disability in Ireland.
#PiecesOfUs
#WhatsNext
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It is disappointing that some form of hybrid solution could not be found for the 2022 Leaving Cert. It is really important now that students are informed of the specific changes being made to each subject straight away.
@NormaFoleyTD1
@Education_Ire
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🚨A show-stopping performance. If you do one thing today please watch and share this video! 120 young people of all abilities coming together to bring the house down
@CrokePark
for our
#BeyondLimits19
event. An extraordinary day filled with hope and ambition.
#Golden
#memories
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🚨Tickets on Sale Now🚨
#YourOCO
launches Beyond Limits a summit for young people with disabilities. We have an extraordinary line up of speakers, exhibitors, sports demonstrations, breakout sessions and panel discussions. Get tickets while you can!
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Saddened to hear of the passing of Shane Griffin
@shaneg86
. Shane was a powerful & fearless advocate for children's voices who dedicated his life to improving the lot of children in care. We have lost a warm, committed child advocate. Sincerest sympathies to his daughter & family
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of
@shaneg86
Such a remarkable and admirable advocate for children in care and care leavers!
A huge loss to our care community,
RIP 💜❤💙🧡
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Under
#UNCRC
every child has the right to express themselves. At a recent visit to the Direct Provision Centres, we asked a number of young people to write down their thoughts and opinions about rights. Here is just some of what they had to say.
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Dr Niall Muldoon: “2020 was a devastating year for children – they were described as vectors and blamed for transmission. Children were seen as carriers - they were not welcome in public places.”
#ChildhoodPaused
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🚨SAVE THE DATE; Beyond Limits, a summit organised by
#YourOCO
for young people with disabilities will take place
@CrokePark
on Saturday 19th October 2019. The event is open to all young people, their families and friends. Please spread the word and share the poster below👇!
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Today the Ombudsman for Children's office publishes our Children's Right Impact Assessment (CRIA) on the impact of school closures during the pandemic on children's rights in Ireland.
Read the full report here:
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Dr Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children, in today’s
@irishexaminer
on the need for a framework for access to education in emergency circumstances:
📰:
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📣 Calling all children under the age of 18! 📣
The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child is examining Ireland’s progress on children’s rights, and we want to make sure that children’s voices are heard.
Fill out this survey and
#HaveYourSay
:
#UNCRC
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Today the Ombudsman for Children's Office published 'Nowhere to Turn'.
In our report we hear from Mark, a ten-year-old with a moderate to severe intellectual disability who is still awaiting his residential placement.
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Following today's publication of the Mental Health Commission report, the Ombudsman for Children has called for urgent action to address widespread CAMHS deficits.
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LISTEN: Children’s Ombudsman Dr Niall Muldoon joins
@TodayRadioRTE
with
@SarahAMcInerney
this morning to talk about his concern over the potential abolition of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs
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'Whether we're autistic or not, we all get overwhelmed at times.... it's important that you find what works for you.'
Some very wise words from 10-year-old Cuan today at
#ChildTalks2020
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Under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child young people have 42 rights. These rights are not only there to protect you but they are also there to support you, guide you and to help you reach your full potential. It is important to know your rights.
#EmpowerYourVoice
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#YourOCO
is currently carrying out a survey and we want to hear from you. 'Your Issues, Your Rights, Your Say!' is an opportunity for us to hear directly from you. Please take some time to answer the questions and if you can, share the link with friends.
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A message from Dr. Niall Muldoon to children and young people across Ireland following his reappointment to the role as Ombudsman for Children.
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Today
#YourOCO
will be kicking off our
#WorldChildrensDay
celebrations
@dublincastleopw
Printworks.
#ChildTalks
features some extraordinary stories from young people all over Ireland. You can watch it live on
@RTENewsNow
from 11am. Tune in!
#ItsHappening
#RaiseYourVoice
.
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⌚
#ChildhoodPaused
⌚
Our Annual Report for 2020 highlights some of the OCO’s main activities last year across a range of areas like education, health & the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on children's lives.
You can download the report here:
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Tusla focusing on child protection, children in care and children at risk of domestic or sexual violence during this emergency. It is vital we all remain vigilant to support children at risk and those who are vulnerable at this time.
Our staff around the country are continuing to provide essential frontline services that cannot be delivered remotely. Anyone with a concern about a child’s safety or welfare should contact their local duty social work office.
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'Children should have the necessary supports to grow up in a safe environment which instils hope, trust & confidence. If those children become damaged, those supports should enable them to return to the path of normal development & reach their full potential.'
Dr Niall Muldoon
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Ahead of tomorrow's Cabinet meeting to discuss NPHET's latest recommendations,
#YourOCO
Dr. Niall Muldoon has said:
"I urge Cabinet to remain true to their policy of keeping all schools open for the sake of the social, emotional and educational needs of the children of Ireland".
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📃Safety & Welfare of Children in Direct Provision📃
We investigated the safety and welfare of refugee and asylum seeking children living in State provided accommodation centres across Ireland.
Read our report here:
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Well done to our Beyond Limits speaker
@James22034777
who featured on Prime Time last night. James was speaking out about delays in getting repairs for his wheelchair.
"It's actually dangerous driving it the way it is."
17-year-old
@James22034777
is one of thousands of wheelchair users in Ireland. He told
@MiriamOCal
how he has been waiting months for repairs to his electric wheelchair |
#rtept
| Read more:
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📝Falling Behind 📝
We received 1,812 complaints in 2022 – one of our busiest year for complaints since the establishment of the office.
Read more about these complaints, as well as our work in education, policy and more in our 2022 Annual Report.
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Today marks International Day for People with Disabilities. Take time out to hear
@natalyaofla
deliver a spoken-word piece called Voices. Natalya worked with several young people who have disabilities to bring it to life. To watch in full click 👉
#IDPWD
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Meet our 7 incredible speakers taking part in
#ChildTalks2018
on
#WorldChildrensDay
Tuesday, November 20 live from
@DublinCityHall
. To find out more click on the link below. Talks focus on sexuality, mental health, education, technology, arts & culture!
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A statement from
#YourOCO
Dr.Niall Muldoon on the possible closure of schools:
Full statement available here:
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📃 No End in Site 📃
We investigated the living conditions for children on a local authority halting site.
Read our new report, No End in Site, here:
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Under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, every person has the right to a home. Here at
#YourOCO
, we believe that it is imperative as a society to not only strive for this but do what we can to make it a reality.
#KnowYourRights
#UseYourVoice
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The Ombudsman for Children's Office is devastated to hear about the passing of Saoirse Ruane.
We are thinking about her friends and family during this time.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam
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As children start to return to school, we recognise the importance of supporting the wellbeing of Teachers, Parents and Pupils.
We know that whole school communities will continue to be supportive of each other.
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Full details of the
@issu4u
survey released today showing only 5.65% of students were satisfied with the current Leaving Certificate plans.
🚨ISSU Report on COVID-19 in Schools and the State Examinations 2022 🚨
The groundbreaking results of the ISSU survey on COVID-19 in schools and the State Examinations 2022 are now live.
Read the full report:
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A message from
#YourOCO
Dr. Niall Muldoon for everyone receiving their
#LeavingCert2020
results today.
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#YourOCO
is very excited to launch our brand new website. It has everything you need to know from children's rights, to how you make a complaint about a public body and much more. Check it out and let us know what you think.
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Our Annual Report for 2019 highlights some of the OCO’s main activities last year across a range of areas like education, health & housing.
You can download the report here:
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A lack of space & privacy, cameras everywhere & discrimination & racism at school & in the community were some of the challenges expressed by children we spoke to who are living in Direct Provision accommodation.
Read more in our report
#DirectDivision
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The Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon has today expressed his despair at the last volume of case reports published by the Child Law Project.
Read our statement in full, here:
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This year as part of our Universal Children's Day celebrations, we are launching our flagship event ChildTalks. To find out more click on the link We have 50 FREE tickets available to anyone who would like to join us on the day.
#ChikldTalks2018
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🔊Calling all businesses, NGOs, technology developers, educational providers, clubs, human rights organisations, and public bodies! We want you to exhibit with us at a summit we are organising for young people with disabilities
@CrokePark
. More info email beyondlimits
@oco
.ie
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Attention teachers and students!
We’ve launched a number of free online resources to help you learn about children’s rights and our work in protecting and promoting those rights.
These handy tools are now available to download here:
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Delighted to be
@CrokePark
for the official launch of
#BeyondLimits
. The amazing
@nolimbsnolimits
,
@teammckillop
,
@NYOItweets
,
@GaisceAward
,
@EY_Ireland
and
@judgejulesoffic
join us! Don’t forget to get your tickets for this amazing event.
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That's a wrap for
#ChildTalks2020
! Thanks to our amazing speakers,
@dublinstoryslam
& everyone who helped with this year's show.
2020 has been a different year but our young people have shown just how resilient they are.
Playback here:
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Happy World Children's Day!
#YourOCO
Dr. Niall Muldoon will be on
@morningireland
shortly to discuss
#ChildTalks2020
which starts in just a few hours time.
🎧 Listen here:
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"I knew I needed this operation. ‘Let’s do this', I said."
Darragh told us about life with scoliosis and the wait for treatment in Ireland at this year's
#ChildTalks2021
Check out his full talk here:
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Call for HSE to explain thousands of young people with disabilities on waiting lists
Ombudsman for Children says ‘if children have not even been assessed, how will they receive the services they need?’ ⬇️
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Today the Ombudsman for Children’s Office is celebrating our 20th anniversary.
We invited 100 children to join us for a birthday party!
🥳🎂⭐️
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Here at
#YourOCO
, we believe that it is crucial for children & young people to
#KnowTheirRights
. Knowing your rights means you stay informed and it can make a real difference in your life and that of others. Take time out and get to know your rights.
#YourRightsMatter
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🚨Inspiration Alert 🚨For our
#BeyondLimits
event in
@CrokePark
on Oct 19
#YourOCO
has been working with the Bluestacks Choir Foundation Donegal,
@NYOItweets
and St Paul's Special Needs School Cork. We caught up with them at a rehearsal in Kilkenny.
#BlownAway
#Understatement
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The Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, has today called for the Government to explore all options and to maintain their commitment to keep schools open.
Read our full statement here:
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The past 6 months haven’t been easy for anyone, especially young people with schools closing & lessons moving online.
The 'How's Your Head?' manual is full of tips on looking after their mental health & well-being in a COVID world. You can download here:
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This is fantastic news for the thousands of undocumented children in Ireland & their families who will benefit from this scheme, & will pave the way for them to go to college, accept job offers and generally fulfil their potential in the country they now know as their home. (1/2)
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#YourOCO
warns downgrading of
@DCYAPress
would "reduce the visibility of children at a time when it is vital that a clear focus on children, their rights, welfare and wellbeing is sustained” Via
@IrishTimes
#DCYAmustStay
Ombudsman warns against any downgrading of Department of Children
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The Ombudsman for Children’s Office is proud to support 𝘏𝘰𝘸'𝘴 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘥? a mental health manual brought to you by
@issu4u
.
The guide is full of tips on staying positive & coping with stress & anxiety in a Covid world. You can download here .
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Representatives from children's organisations and civil society who are joining us today to watch the UN constructive dialogue with the Irish State.
#UNCRC
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Read our report, Mind The Gap: Research on barriers to the realisation of rights of children with disabilities in Ireland, here:
#MindTheGap
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A message from Dr.Niall Muldoon, one year since children and young people across Ireland were told they would not be returning to school.
#CovidOneYearOn
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🚨 MORE TICKETS ADDED 🚨
Hear from incredible speakers with disabilities such as
@James22034777
on Oct 15 at Beyond Limits Limerick as he tells his story of life with cerebral palsy.
Tickets are free but limited so get them quick!
Tickets:
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Join the team! The OCO is recruiting an Examinations Officer, Early Resolutions Officer, Participation and Rights Education Officer and a Policy Officer. Help us continue to raise awareness of the rights of children
#jobfairy
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Dr Niall Mudoon: “We cannot forget that it is the State who has primary responsibility for implementing children’s rights, including the rights of children with disabilities.”
#MindTheGap
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All systems go at the Alex Hotel for the
@OCO_ireland
Annual Report Launch. Looking forward to sharing our yearly review of all the work done supporting and helping to raise awareness around children’s rights.
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