National Governance
Children and Young People's Services Committees (CYPSC) form an integral part of the structures provided for in Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2014 – 2020. CYPSC are accountable to the CYPSC National Steering Group and the DCEDIY, and in turn to the Children and Young People's Policy Consortium .
Children and Young People's Policy Consortium
The Children and Young People’s Policy Consortium was established in 2014 as part of the implementation structures outlined in Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures. The Consortium is chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) and comprises of senior officials from Government departments and agencies and representatives from advisory and local operational fora. The Consortium has oversight of and drives cross-Government implementation of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures and its supporting strategies, and reports annually to Government on progress achieved.
Children and Young People's Services Committees National Steering Group
The main function of the CYPSC National Steering Group is to support the effective operation and practical implementation of CYPSC at local level. The CYPSC National Steering Group addresses issues and obstacles that need resolution at national level. The Chair of the CYPSC National Steering Group is a member of the Children and Young People’s Policy Consortium and utilises that forum to promote the work of CYPSC and escalate any pertinent issues that require a national response. The CYPSC National Steering Group provides guidance and advice on strategic, policy and operational issues relevant to the local committees. Membership of the Steering Group comprises of senior representatives from Tusla-Child and Family Agency, Health Service Executive, City/County Councils, Education and Training Board Ireland, the Community and Voluntary sector, Department of Children and Youth Affairs, Department of Education and Skills, Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, a young person aged 18-24 years, personnel from local CYPSCs (Chairperson, vice Chairperson and CYPSC Co-ordinator), the National Co-ordinator for CYPSC and a independent Chairperson.
Click here to see the membership of the CYPSC National Steering Group
National Co-ordinator for CYPSC
The National Co-ordinator for Children and Young People's Services Committees role is to
- Provide leadership for CYPSC at national level and lead the implementation of the strategic plan for CYPSC.
- Ensure there is coherence and that a common approach is adopted across CYPSC and that CYPSC are embedded into the wider system.
- Build understanding of and commitment to CYPSC at local and national level.
- Provide and co-ordinate support for CYPSC e.g. research and data, communications, facilitation and implementation including support to individual CYPSC at start-up stage and as required thereafter.
- Have oversight of progress and impact of CYPSC, co-ordinating collective reporting to the national CYPSC Steering Group and DCYA, ensuring accountability and a focus on learning.
- Harness the knowledge and expertise of CYPSC to influence and inform national policy and strategy.
Click here for CYPSC National Implementation Updates.
Local Governance
Locally CYPSC will identify and agree key priorities for children and young people with the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) for inclusion in the county's Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP). This will be a two-way relationship wherein local CYPSC and LCDCs will inform each other on relevant discussions. In relation to economic related priorities CYPSC and the local authority's Strategic Policy Committee for Economic Development and Enterprise (SPC) will inform each other on relevant discussions.
Children and Young People's Services Committee members are accountable to each; other ensuring follow through on commitments made at the committee table, and committing to work collaboratively to the common CYPSC agenda.
Structures for Children and Young People's Services Committees
Please click here for more information on the composition of Children and Young People's Services Committees.