iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

The UK GDPR includes specific provisions recognising children’s rights and the risks they can face when their personal information is processed. Find out more in our training - GDPR & Children’s Rights: Protecting Privacy, Empowering Young People. Book: www.tickettailor.com/events/child...

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Our GDPR and Children's Rights training covers the legal requirements, key data protection principles, lawful basis for processing personal data and the key steps everyone can take towards compliance. Book today at buff.ly/QzflHiL

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

In their final podcast, Youth@CLC have recorded a very special episode from Stormont, joined by Claire Sugden MLA, Gerry Carroll MLA, Sian Mulholland MLA, Colin McGrath MLA, Timothy Gaston MLA, Danny Baker MLA and Robbie Butler MLA. Find the episode at childrenslawcentre.org.uk/podcasts/

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Drawing on CLC’s legal expertise, our SEND Legal Rights training simplifies the framework protecting vulnerable learners. We will explore the statutory assessment process, enforceability of statements, and appeal rights, as well as much more. Book today at buff.ly/xwtI1fp

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

The failure to amend the Justice Bill and raise the age of criminal responsibility in NI is deeply disappointing and a real missed opportunity to protect some of our most disadvantaged children and young people. At just ten years old, we continue to have one of the lowest ages in the world.

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

While it's right to recognise the harm children face online, if the problem is social media platforms, then the solution must be to make those environments safe, not to exclude young people from them. Read our latest blog at buff.ly/27lLvyV

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Our Head of Legal, Kathryn Stevenson, was delighted to attend the 2026 NICVA Summit, exploring the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the community and voluntary sector.

Left to right: Kathryn Stevenson, Head of Legal at Children's Law Centre, Sara McCracken, CEO at Angel Eyes and Kerrie Cartmill, Director of Services at Angel Eyes, pose together at the 2026 NICVA Summit.

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

A child's rights do not stop at a border. Every child, regardless of where they were born, has a right to grow up free from fear, discrimination and violence #RefugeeWeek2026

Happy Refugee Week From Children’s Law Centre

Refugee and Asylum Seeking Children Are Among the Most Targeted and Dehumanised Young People in Our Society

They deserve Protection, Not Hostility

As A Result of the Racist Disorder Last Week, Many Young People Feel Intense Intimidation and Fear

This Week, and Every Week, We Stand With Refugee and Asylum Seeking Children and Young People

A Child’s Rights Do Not Stop At A Border

Every Child, Regardless of Where They Were Born, Has A Right to Grow Up Free From Fear, Discrimination and Violence

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

It is deeply disappointing that the Petition of Concern has been used to block amendments seeking to raise the age of criminal responsibility. This represents a misuse of a mechanism designed to protect minority rights. We urge MLAs who used the PoC to seriously reconsider.

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

The Children’s Law Centre has said that the announcement of a social media ban for under 16s risks increasing, not reducing, online harm. Read more at buff.ly/VkWlAZK

Statement: Social Media Ban Risks Increasing, Not Reducing, Online Harm

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

This Infant Mental Health Awareness Week, the Children's Law Centre is supporting the #StrongerFromTheStart campaign. Developing the social and emotional well-being of children in their earliest years is critical to helping them thrive later in life #IMHAW2026

CLC Senior Solicitor Eamonn McNally and Trainee Solicitor Ellie Massey supporting the Stronger from the Start campaign.

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Everyone has a right to live in a society free from fear, intimidation and the threat of violence. Many in our community, especially vulnerable children and young people, will be terrified and deeply concerned by the potential for further harm. The violent disorder must end.

Statement:

RACIST
ATTACKS

IN BELFAST AND
OTHER AREAS

The Children’s Law Centre unequivocally condemns the racist violence that has taken place and has seen attacks on the homes of children and young people.

Many in our community, especially vulnerable children and young people, will be terrified and deeply concerned by the potential for further harm.

Everyone has a right to live in a society free from fear, intimidation and the threat of violence. We offer our unwavering solidarity to our neighbours and friends from ethnic minority communities.

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

We are recruiting for a Fundraising and Development Manager. As we continue to champion and protect the rights of children and young people, we are committed to strengthening our long-term sustainability and independence. For more information, please visit childrenslawcentre.org.uk/work-with-us...

Work With Us - Fundraising and Development Manager - Applications Now Open

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Navigating the political landscape at Stormont can feel daunting, but it remains one of the most effective ways to drive change. Our latest training will provide you with knowledge and tools to make an impact on decision makers. Find our training calendar at www.tickettailor.com/events/child...

Training

Achieving Change Through Stormont: A Practical Introduction

Thursday 25th June

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

New: Fires, Forgiveness and the Future for Criminalised Children. Rev Chris Bennett on realising that children deserve second chances, not criminal records. Watch www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxAz... Read blogs.qub.ac.uk/qpol/minimum... Thanks to @childrensrightsqub.bsky.social for collaborating.

youtube.com

Rev Chris Bennet - Three Wee Lads

YouTube video by Children's Law Centre

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Some pictures from our joint FOI Awareness Session last week alongside the ICO and PILS. The focus was on using FOI as a tool to support strategic litigation. Speakers included Kathryn Stevenson and Eamonn McNally (CLC), alongside Simon Beattie and Aaron Johnson of the ICO Policy Team.

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

SEND transformation is supposed to strengthen children's access to special educational provision. It should not, in any way, undermine their legal rights. We have raised a number of concerns with the current direction of travel. Decision makers must pause, or risk repeating the mistakes of the past

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Our CEO John O'Doherty, alongside Rachel Hogan BL, our SEND Specialist Legal Adviser and Kathryn Stevenson, our Head of Legal at Parliament Buildings after presenting to the education committee on the proposed SEN Regs. Read about our evidence session at childrenslawcentre.org.uk/childrens-la...

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Our written response to the Education Committee outlines some of our main concerns around the proposed SEND Regulations, Code of Practice and the direction of travel for some important parts of the wider SEND transformation plans. You can find it at childrenslawcentre.org.uk?mdocs-file=8...

Committee Submission

the Education (Special Educational Needs) Regulations (NI) 2026

May 2026

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

CLC will be presenting to the Education Committee today on proposed SEND Regulations. You can watch from around 2:15pm on NI Assembly TV livestream 2 - niassembly.tv/live-stream-2/

Education Committee

Oral Briefing by Children’s Law Centre on Proposed SEN Regulations

Watch on NI Assembly TV (Livestream 2), from 2:15pm

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Reposted by Children's Law Centre

thedetailtv.bsky.social @thedetailtv.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

The PSNI did not refer a single child arrested during the Ballymena riots into the government mechanism used to identify victims of child criminal exploitation, despite concerns that young people were groomed or coerced into violence. @lukejbutterly.bsky.social reports

thedetail.tv

PSNI made no child exploitation referrals after Ballymena riots despite internal concerns

A third of those arrested in Ballymena and other towns last year were children

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

We’re proud to be one of 90+ signatures to a letter ahead of the Council of Europe meeting. The letter calls on the UK & Irish Governments to defend the ECHR, protect the independence of the European Court of Human Rights & reject any declaration that minimises rights for any individual or group.

Animated image of a diverse group of people standing together in solidarity. Text reads: 'Either everyone has rights or no one does. Every person deserves to live with dignity, freedom and equality. Don't let our common rights be removed or undermined. We are all human.'

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

We have been busy over the past month at CLC, working on behalf of children and young people. Here's some of the things you might have missed - from charity events to new staff arriving, as well as some fun at CLC HQ.

Over the last month we have been incredibly busy at CLC... Here are some of the things you might have missed

We attended the inaugural QUB Bar Society networking reception... We are honoured to be the chosen charity for their inaugural year

We were joined by Ellie Massey, our new Trainee Solicitor, from the LEF Justice First Fellowship

Our Senior Solicitor, Eamonn McNally, won Mentor of the Year at the Co3 Awards

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

We have now announced our full annual training calendar for the year 2026/27. Take a look to find free webinars, expert-led sessions and CPD opportunities for anyone working with children and young people. Find the full calendar at buff.ly/xAtWOGR

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Reposted by Children's Law Centre

Amnesty International NI @amnestyni.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

We've signed this call - along with 60 other organisations - to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility here. #TenIsTooYoung

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Reposted by Children's Law Centre

Save the Children NI @savethechildrenni.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

We've signed this call - along with 60 other orgs - to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility here. #TenIsTooYoung

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

Ten is too young. That’s why we’ve joined 60 organisations in calling on the NI Assembly to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility. You can add your support at www.tenistooyoung.com/support/ It’s time to raise the age #TenIsTooYoung

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

The Children’s Law Centre has published an open letter, raising alarm around significant and potentially damaging changes to the system that provides support to children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Read more at childrenslawcentre.org.uk/send-reform-...

News

SEND Reform Risks Repeating Mistakes of the Past

22 April 2026

“Rather than address the issues that have been well researched and articulated over past decades, the proposed reforms run the risk of undermining the legal framework that supports children, compounding the current failure.”

- Rachel Hogan BL, Specialist SEND Legal Adviser

The letter has been endorsed by:

CiNI
SENAC
Angel Eyes NI
National Autistic Society
The Fostering Network
ADD-NI Children’s Charity
The Centre for Children’s Rights, Queen’s University Belfast
Northern Ireland Teachers’ Council
NASUWT
INTO
UTU
NEU
NAHT
UNISON

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Big day for Youth@CLC today as they take their podcast Rights Unmuted on the road for a podcast on young people and decision making. We’re thrilled to be interviewing MLAs at Stormont. Search for Rights Unmuted wherever you get your podcasts and get ready for a bumper episode.

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

To celebrate the launch of our new annual training calendar, we're inviting you to join us for two free webinars on topical children's rights issues. Sign up today to secure your place, and don't forget to check out our full calendar of training - buff.ly/8dYF7Sx

Training

FREE CHILDREN’S RIGHTS WEBINARS THIS MAY

BOOK TODAY

FREE TASTER WEBINARS

CelebratE the Launch of Our New Annual Training Calendar With TWO FREE WEBINARS

And check out our full calendar of training

WEBINAR

Children’s Rights and the Future of Religious Education in Northern Ireland

15th MAY | 12PM-1PM

WEBINAR

Respect as a Right, Unpacking the RADICAL Project

27th MAy | 1PM-2PM

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

The Children’s Law Centre is seeking passionate, committed individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help shape the next phase of our organisation’s development. Find out more at childrenslawcentre.org.uk/work-with-us...

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

CLC has presented evidence to the NI Assembly Committee for Communities as part of its scrutiny of the implementation of the Children’s Services Co‑operation Act (Northern Ireland) 2015. Find out more and read our briefing at buff.ly/jhFTtW8

Committee Evidence

Children’s Services Co-Operation Act (Northern Ireland) 2015

THursDAY 12th March

While there has been some progress, including the adoption of a children and young people’s strategy and examples of effective joint working, CLC maintains that these developments are not yet embedded as a consistent, system wide approach to improving well being.

The second decade of the CSCA must focus on implementation, measurement and accountability, with a renewed commitment to co operation rooted in children’s rights..

How Can the Promise of the CSCA Be Realised?

- Establish shared indicators of well-being

- Implement transparent data collection

- Ensure stable long-term planning

- Co-design improvements with children and families

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

The Children’s Law Centre and South Tyrone Empowerment Programme (STEP) have jointly responded to the UK Government’s consultation on A Fairer Pathway to Settlement, raising serious concerns about the impact on children and families. Read more at buff.ly/7e1fScJ

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

The Ten is Too Young Coalition welcomes the tabling of an amendment to the Justice Bill that would raise NI’s age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 16, without exception. This is a chance to make our justice system fairer, safer and more effective - childrenslawcentre.org.uk/ten-is-too-y...

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Episode 7 of Rights Unmuted tackles the problem or racism and racial stereotypes experienced by children in Northern Ireland.Youth@CLC member Holly is joined by guests Samuel and Thatso from Diverse Youth NI, and Sara from Include Youth.Find all our podcasts at childrenslawcentre.org.uk/podcasts/

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Today our CEO, John O'Doherty, was delighted to take part in the Empatheyes VR Training provided by Angel Eyes NI. Understanding the experiences of children and young people with visual impairment is critical when supporting them. Excellent training that really makes an impact.

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 21/02/2026

This week was sexual health week. If you need information on sexual health, contact Informing Choices NI #SexualHealthWeekNI2026

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

Today at 2pm, CLC will be presenting to the Education Committee, alongside NICCY and Deirdre Shakespeare to discuss restrictive practices, including restraint and seclusion. Watch on the NI Assembly's Live Stream 2 - niassembly.tv/live-stream-2/

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

Our Introduction to Children's Rights training draws on 30 years of experience in advocacy, participation, advice and legal representation across education, health and youth justice. Join us for training that brings children's rights to life. Find out more at buff.ly/2mZzolA

Hybrid Training: Introduction to Children's Rights - 19th March, 6:30pm-8:30pm

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

A big thanks to Include Youth and Diverse Youth NI for joining Holly on our podcast to discuss the topic of racism in Northern Ireland. The episode will be coming out soon. Make sure you search for Rights Unmuted and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. #RightsUnmuted #Podcast #Racism

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

Our next training session will cover the child's right to a family and private life. Make sure you book to learn more about the clear obligations on the state to respect children’s privacy, identity, expression and family connections. Book today at buff.ly/6gHfbQN

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

We have now launched our new learning opportunities for March. Delivered by experts in children's rights to ensure you are in the best place to defend the rights of all children and young people. Find out more at buff.ly/yJqx9rv

Training - New Training Announced for March

Hybrid Training - The Child's Right to Family and Private Life - 11th March | 1:30pm-4:00pm

Hybrid Training - Protecting the Rights of Autistic Children - 25th March | 1:30pm - 4:15pm

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

Every child has the right to healthcare. CLC has called for strengthened guidance, verification processes and oversight, and an independent review mechanism for GP patient removal decisions, as recommended by the Ombudsman. Read more at childrenslawcentre.org.uk/protecting-c...

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

The Ten is Too Young Coalition has launched a new briefing outlining the evidence for raising the age of criminal responsibility in Northern Ireland. You can find the briefing at childrenslawcentre.org.uk?mdocs-file=8...

Briefing cover with title reading: 'Ten is Too Young: The Evidence for Raising the Age of Criminal Responsibility in NI' - Jan 2026

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

Our youth panel Youth@CLC have had their first planning meeting of the new year. They welcomed some new members, reflected on the success of Rights Unmuted, and planned for the year ahead #YouthVoice #ChildRights #Podcast #RightsUnmuted

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 24/01/2026

On this International Day of Education, let’s remember that education is a right, not a privilege. Here are some of the laws that underpin those rights #InternationalDayOfEducation #DayOfEducation #EducationForAll

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

Our latest podcast features Youth@CLC members Lila, Emma, Sienna and Helen Crickard (Reclaim the Agenda). They talk about ending violence against women and girls, misogyny in schools and the role of online platforms. Search for Rights Unmuted or go to www.childrenslawcentre.org.uk/podcasts

podcast

Breaking the Silence:
Ending Gender Based Violence

Brought to You by Youth@CLC

“These are not isolated incidents... This isn’t just about somebody’s anger and they can’t control themselves and lost it one day. This is a pattern of behaviour that’s abusive”

- Helen

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

The story of five year old Arthur is shocking, but sadly not surprising. CLC continues to see children and young people denied their right to a full education - www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

“Every child is legally entitled to full time education on an equal basis. Yet CLC continues to see barriers for children with special educational needs and disabilities. It is shocking that poor planning, under-resourcing and failure to promote equality of opportunity has led us to this point.”

- Rachel Hogan BL, SEND Specialist Legal Adviser at CLC

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Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

CLC had a constructive meeting with Jon Burrows MLA which covered a wide range of areas, including children's rights in the digital environment, the experiences of children with special educational needs and disabilities as well as youth justice issues.

Left to right: Fergal McFerran (Policy and Public Affairs Manager at CLC); Jon Burrows MLA; John O'Doherty (CEO at CLC); and Rachel Hogan BL (SEND Specialist Legal Adviser at CLC). All standing together in the Great Hall at Stormont's Parliament Buildings.

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