Social workers in Northern Ireland need greater access to careers information to improve the advice offered to looked-after children, a new report claims.

Interviews with 52 young people aged 9-17 plus social workers, teachers, foster parents and education welfare officers found that social workers and carers were not confident about advising young people in care on courses and careers and that the children also felt under-served.

The report by Save the Children, First Key (NI) and Voice of Young People in Care also suggests that an education welfare officer could act as an advocate for a young person and communicate between carers and the school.

Vivian McConvey, director of Voice of Young People in Care, called for greater connections between education and social workers in Northern Ireland.

Branded a Problem? from Save the Children on 0289043 1123