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The logos of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Queen's University Belfast, Stranmillis College, St Mary's College, Ulster University and teh Open University. These institutions are the contributing members of the Knowledge Exchange Seminar Series.
The logos of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Queen's University Belfast, Stranmillis College, St Mary's College, Ulster University and teh Open University. These institutions are the contributing members of the Knowledge Exchange Seminar Series.

Addressing the over-representation of looked after children with mental health needs and/or disabilities in Northern Ireland

Dr Berni Kelly, Dr Sandra Dowling and Dr Karen Winter (QUB): This presentation will report on a study examining disabled looked after children in Northern Ireland. Evidence indicates that disabled children are over-represented in the public care (DHSSPSNI, 2012; Stalker & McArthur, 2010). However, limited research using differing definitions of disability and inconsistent recording systems raises questions about their over-representation. Drawing on the United Nations CRPD definition of disability (2006:4), the study includes looked after children with mental health needs, and this presentation focuses on this group, which represents a high proportion of the looked after population. The presentation will present themes arising from completed literature and policy reviews, and findings from a survey that profiled disabled looked after children in Northern Ireland. Focusing on those with mental health needs, findings will include: the reasons for entry to care; family contact; looked after status; number and type of placements; service needs and service access. Data is contextualized within the wider population of looked after disabled children. This seminar took place on 20th February 2014. Download: Policy Briefing Presentation