Kerry Children and Young People's Services Committee was established in September 2010.
The Kerry CYPSC reports nationally to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and the National CYPSC Coordinator. At county level the Kerry CYPSC reports to the Kerry Local Community Development Committee. Strategic leadership is provided locally in Kerry by the Tusla Child and Family Agency Area Manager, Breda Lynch.
Kerry CYPSC has established six working groups:
- Child & Youth Mental Health
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Progression Pathways for Children and Young People with Additional Needs
- Parenting & Early Years
- Prevention, Partnership & Family Support
- Youth Participation
These address issues which have a significant impact on children, young people and families in Kerry. Each working group has identified clear aims and objectives and an evidence informed action plan to improve outcomes for children, young people and families.
The Kerry CYPSCis currently completing the development of their fourth Kerry CYPSC Children and Young People's Plan 2025 – 2028.
Other achievements include:
- The development and delivery of a range of initiatives to support child and youth mental health including our online Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub.
- The development and online publication of 'Support Pathways for Children 0-17 with Additional Needs' resource and the 'Support Pathways for Adults 18+ with Additional Needs' will be published online in January 2025.
- The delivery of a range of initiatives in partnership with our stakeholders to improve the health of children and young people in the county with the support of Healthy Ireland Funding.
- The development of two additional adolescent Drugs and Alcohol posts to enhance the continuum of adolescent D&A services in partnership with HSE Drugs and Alcohol Services with the support of Healthy Ireland Funding.
- The delivery of a range of initiatives to support children, young people and families seeking international protection and beneficiaries of temporary protection in partnership with our stakeholders with the support of IPSS and UKR funding.
- The development of the 'Kerry Needs Analysis and Parents Support Strategy' following consultations with 475 parents and 80 practitioners in Kerry in 2023.
- The publication of the Kerry CYPSC '2022 Youth Participation Report' following consultations with 253 children and young people across 22 organisations in Kerry.
- The piloting of a Traveller Homework Support Initiative in Killarney to support Traveller children's transitions and educational attainment following Covid-19.
- Ongoing work with stakeholders to improve interagency collaboration in support of improved outcomes for children, young people and families in Kerry.
- Supporting the continuous professional development of front line practitioners through training initiatives via our networks in Kerry.
- Kerry CYPSC continues to work very closely with Kerry Comhairle na nÓg (Child and Youth Council).
Click here to see our priorities.