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THE MINISTER FOR Children and Youth Affairs has launched the Irish Childhood Bereavement Network, which has been set up to support those working with grieving young people.
Frances Fitzgerald, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs said that bereaved children are “among our most vulnerable citizens” but their voices are often not heard.
The Network is based on the Childhood Bereavement Network (CBN) in the UK, which was set up in 2001 and currently has 280 members.
There is currently no data regarding childhood bereavement figures in Ireland, however it is estimated that 3,360 of Irish 16-year-olds in 2011 may have experienced the death of one or both parents and a similar number have lost a sibling.
A Scoping Study which was commissioned by the IHF this year noted a lack of emphasis in government policy on children’s bereavement support provision and found that, while there were some strengths, the current delivery system also had significant weaknesses.
The weaknesses identified by the study, which was funded by the Family Support Agency (FSA) and conducted by Dr Kathy McLoughlin, included inequity and fragmentation of services- particularly outside of Dublin. Long waiting lists for more complex bereavement support needs, the lack of any comprehensive directory of services and the lack of any forum to exchange information and knowledge were also noted.
“The Irish Childhood Bereavement Network is a welcome initiative from the voluntary sector who contribute so much in caring and advocating for children who need support,” Frances Fitzgerald, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs said.
“Bereaved children are among our most vulnerable citizens but their voice is often silent. The launch of this Network offers Ireland an opportunity to change the way it approaches childhood grief and could make a significant difference in facilitating the delivery of the appropriate resources for each grieving child.”
Dr Susan Delaney, Bereavement Services Manager at the IHF, commented: “Grief is a normal response and the first point of support for children lies in the family. But when a parent is grieving he or she may not be emotionally available to their children and additional support may be needed.”
“The network will be a very valuable resource and allow for the development of a comprehensive directory of services for healthcare professionals. Ultimately, the Childhood Bereavement Network is about ensuring that every bereaved child gets the most appropriate support for them, when they need it,” she added.
The Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) is to host the Network for the first two years and will also seek to source funding for its development.
Membership is open to any interested individual or organisations who endorse the agreed vision and guiding principles, with a target of 70 members set for the first year.
Health care professionals can register their interest in joining the network via the Irish Childhood Bereavement Network’s website.
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I know what all the do gooders will say but…… Bring back the death penalty
Sean I agree with you .
only 25 years?
Evil Creep
Glad justice was done however feel author could have referred to the little girl as Jennifer and not Cardy? Very impersonal
I agree with you Glenda.! It’s usually the suspected or condemned who’s first name is not used.. First thing I noticed.. Not good journalism.! Hang him high.!!!
He should be hung…and that little girls parents given the option to open the gallows…rot in hell indeed!
I would consider my self a liberal left wing type of guy but for some crimes, such a this, there can be only one punishment. A quick death.
not necessarily a quick one either
We are not monsters like him.
When a human has a cancerous lump we remove it quickly and as painlessly as possible. Child murderers and molesters are a cancer on society so these cancers should be surgically removed too. Taking pleasure in death makes us as bad as them.
a truly evil man
Vile
Just imagine the amount of money its going to cost to keep this disgusting piece of c***p alive?
In Jail he will have to be kept separate from other prisoners because he will be under threat of death…the system has to protect his like, how sick is that?
Maybe he should be put into a room full of parents to see how long he lasts?
He shows no remorse apparently, the family of Jennifer Cardy said that if he showed remorse and asked for forgiveness, they would give it. They are truly generous.
Should never be out again!!!
Read the details of this crime & was seriously disturbed. What he subjected these girls to was horrific – the police worked tirelessly until they could link him to this crime – I think they had to sift through over 200,000 fuel receipts to prove he was in the area when the crime was committed ! I think the death penalty would end his suffering so I think life in prison is better !
Totally agree but not in the luxury we afford his like. It seems criminal to allow him any luxuries, prision for him should be traumatic and painful…take away any sensory stimulation, it would be pretty horrific, a quick death would be too good for him.
prision for him should be traumatic and painful….. I agree Jeffery but some of the do gooders would argue that Jail is the punishment and not for punishment. His loss of freedom etc is puniashment…. I actually agree that these guys and this man in particular should be deprived all sensory stimulation. This is what made Alcatraz so terrifying for the gangsters of old . The boredom, the silence and the strict adherence to routine broke these fcukers
he is a sick vile pervert and not fit to live amoung us…he should be put to death and quickly remove the threat of someone like…
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