LACE


The LACE Project was established in 2001 with the specific aim to improve the educational outcomes for children and young people in care. It is a coalition of government, statutory and voluntary agencies working together across NI to raise awareness of the need to provide cohesive and coordinated policy and service responses in order to improve the educational experiences of looked after children. It also works with looked after children and practitioners to ensure their views are included.

Phase 1: Branded a Problem

The first phase of the LACE Project began with a study being undertaken entitled 'Branded A Problem?'. This was a participative research which examined the educational experiences of young people in care. Young people who were care experienced interviewed other young people who had comparable experiences. The research involved interviews with 52 children and young people aged between 9 and 17 years and interviews with 25 professionals from social work or education. It identified 21 recommendations.

Phase 2: Making it Count

Following on from the research, two regional seminars took place in 2004 providing the opportunity to share information, disseminate practice and develop a Northern Ireland wide perspective.

The outcomes from the seminars were to take forward the recommendations from research, to agree a way forward in developing interagency protocols and to identify core elements for training that would inform and enhance practice.

During this phase a training manual was developed to help adults gain a better understanding and awareness of the educational issues facing looked after children and young people and how practice can be enhanced. The training manual - Making it Count was launched in 2005.

Phase 3: The Pilot Projects

The purpose of the pilot projects is to take forward the outcomes and the learning from Phase 2 and to disseminate the elarnign from the interagency work with the Trusts, the education services and the voluntary sectors.

The aim of the pilot projects are to:

  1. Use a systems approach to test a model of practice which reflects the most effective processes and mechanisms that meet the educational needs of looked after children.
  2. Build upon existing resources and experience of agencies.
  3. Assess what information, knowledge and training is required in addition to the capacity that already exists in carers, professionals and agencies.
  4. Support good practice and identify gaps in order to best meet needs.