TU Dublin hosts the launch of #careday20
EPIC - Empowering Children in Care in partnership with TUSLA launched #careday20 in TU Dublin, Grangegorman, on 21st February 2020.
Care Day (see careday.org) is the world’s largest celebration of children and young people with care experience. Care experience includes children and young people who are or were cared for by family members with the support of social workers; by foster carers; or children and young people from children’s homes and residential units. They deserve to be celebrated, on care day, and every day.
The event was opened by Dr Noel O’ Connor, TU Dublin who welcomed attendees followed by Bernard Gloster, CEO, Tusla who described his best day in the job so far as being the one that he spent with the EPIC National Youth Council. The highlight for all in attendance was the voices of the young people who shared their experiences. Young people with care experience shared and celebrated their experiences and achievements through creativity, music, rap, poetry and a panel discussion. The event was attended by young people who have care experience, TU Dublin Social Care students and representatives from organisations who work to support children and young people who have care experience. Dr Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children, was also in attendance.
Speaking about the Universities involvement with the event, Anne Marie Shier, Lecturer, Social Sciences said, "It is a privilege for TU Dublin to work with EPIC and TUSLA on this event. It is also really important for us to acknowledge the ongoing links and partnerships we have with EPIC and TUSLA who provide workshops and placements for our Social Care students who will go on to work with and engage with young people who have care experience.