Ms Naomi Kennan:

I have a brief comment on auditing our system to see how child-centred it is. At a basic level, we must ground it in the general principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Article 2 deals with non-discrimination so are we providing equity of access to services in reality? This is irrespective of the location of the child, particular medical needs or whether it is part of an especially vulnerable group, which needs additional measures in order to be able to access services equally, along with other children or young people. Article 3 asks if the best interests of all children and young people are at the centre of every decision and action taken on their behalf or are we getting bogged down with administrative issues, resources, procedures and policies? Article 6 deals with right to life, survival and development, so are we meeting that standard or are delays preventing children access to services they need in order to enjoy that right? As the ombudsman noted, in terms of Article 12, dealing with children's participation, are we treating them as co-partners in the development of this process and services and having views about decisions taken that affect them? Are we making those decisions without hearing from children? From the evidence being presented here, which is followed closely by our team, we have a very long way to go.