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NSPCC Northern Ireland
unfortunately not a day goes by without a story in the local newspapers or on
television about cruelty to children. The abuse of children in Northern Ireland is a very
serious problem.
Facts about abuse in Northern Ireland
At 31 March 2011, there were 2401 children on the child protection register.
During the quarter ending 30 June 2011, there were 1186 Child Protection Referrals
to Social Services in Northern Ireland, 7% (85) lower than the previous quarter (1271),
and 2% below the count for the same quarter in 2010.
Over 5400 offences against children and young people were recorded by the Police
Service of Northern Ireland in the year 2010/11.
NSPCC Services in Northern Ireland
We have service centres in Foyle, Craigavon and Belfast which provide direct services
to children and families across the region. The centres are designed to be places
where children can feel safe and supported and better able to overcome the trauma
they have experienced. We also provide a service to support young prosecution
witnesses, and an Independent Visiting Service.
The work we do in our service centres concentrates on the most important issues
affecting children and groups of children who are most at risk.
Belfast service centre
Our Belfast service centre was opened in July 2011. The team will deliver the following
programmes:
• Caring Dads: Safer Children - works with fathers who have been violent to their
partners. The programme aims to stop further abuse, recognise the impact their
behaviour has on their children, and improve their parenting.
• Family SMILES - works with children who have at least one parent with a mental
health problem. The programme reduces the risk of abuse and neglect and helps
the family compile a safety plan.
• Improving parenting, improving practice - tackles child neglect by supporting
and challenging parents who are struggling to care for their children.
• Assessing the risk, protecting the child - a good practice guide for the assessment
of adults to protect children from sexual abuse.
• Preventing non-accidental head injuries in babies - educates parents about
the risks of shaking and gives practical coping strategies for the pressures of
new parenthood.
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