Fergal McFerran
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fergalmcferran.bsky.social
Fergal McFerran
@fergalmcferran.bsky.social
230 followers 150 following 7 posts
Policy and Public Affairs Manager at @childlawcentre.bsky.social, amongst other things.
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Reposted by Fergal McFerran
childlawcentre.bsky.social
CLC at an event in Stormont today making the case for changes to the law to give children equal protection from assault.

CLC supports long overdue change by removing the defence of 'reasonable punishment'.

Children deserve the same protections as everyone else - buff.ly/b3bkXCI
CLC Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Fergal McFerran and CLC Policy and Public Affairs Officer Emma Murray together at an event in Stormont's Long Gallery.
September 22, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Reposted by Fergal McFerran
childlawcentre.bsky.social
An Anti-Poverty Strategy has been a long standing commitment for the NI Executive, yet the draft Strategy has received widespread criticism. When we asked young people for their views they felt this is an opportunity that can't be missed.

Look out for our response later this week.
Draft Anti-Poverty Strategy “It’s worrying that the Anti-Poverty Strategy was supposed to come out ages ago and that poverty was supposed to be addressed as part of the Good Friday Agreement. If this slow work continues, divisions in communities will continue and repeat themselves.” - Youth@CLC Member
September 22, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Reposted by Fergal McFerran
childlawcentre.bsky.social
Today we are at #RiseAgainstPoverty conference, organised at a critical moment in efforts to address poverty in NI. We’ll hear from experts and campaigners with lived experience to explore why we must do better than the current draft anti-poverty strategy from the NI Executive.
Trása Canavan, chair of the anti-poverty strategy group in speaking at a podium on stage with conference attendees seated in front of her.
September 2, 2025 at 9:29 AM
fergalmcferran.bsky.social
Almost ten years on from the introduction of the Children’s Service’s Co-operation Act, the recent publication of the second report on its operation lays bare its unfulfilled potential ⤵️
childlawcentre.bsky.social Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · Aug 6
CLC responds to the second report on the operation of the Children’s Services Co-operation Act (Northern Ireland) 2015.
This report provides an important opportunity to reflect seriously on how well government, public bodies and children's services providers more generally are working together to improve the lives of our children and young people. Regrettably, the 2nd report on the operation of the Act reinforces why the Act was, and remains, necessary. While there are some indications of the very early beginnings of progress in limited areas, systemic, strategic change at a cross-departmental level is largely absent and has to date mainly occurred in reaction to widescale systemic crises. In places, this report reflects just how low the bar is when it comes to planning and executing meaningful, proactive, strategic co-operation. It is yet further evidence of how children and young people are being seriously failed and reflects an inconsistent and often piecemeal approach to how the Act is understood and complied with. As we approach a decade since the introduction of the Children's Services Co-operation Act, it is also deeply concerning that a report on the operation of the Act provides such little data and analysis on how the wellbeing of children has actually, tangibly improved. Perhaps that isn't surprising given the marked decline in the lives of so many of our children, particularly the most vulnerable, over the last decade. We witness the reality of this decline through the experiences of those who contact our advice service on a daily basis. Importantly, this report does acknowledge key areas for improvement to enable compliance with the Act. The issues identified are not new, they have been raised and repeated many, many times, not least by those organisations who work most closely with and for children and young people. The wide-ranging nature of those areas for improvement speaks to the scale of unfulfilled potential when it comes to co-operation between all those with a responsibility for delivering services with potential to improve the wellbeing of children.
August 7, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Reposted by Fergal McFerran
childlawcentre.bsky.social
Youth@CLC react to the announcement on Votes at 16.

💬 “If I can go to jail, I should be able to vote.”
💼 “If I pay taxes, I should have a say.”
🎓 “It’s not just about GCSEs. It’s about real life.”

It’s not just about voting—it’s about being heard and having a say on matters that affect you.
July 18, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Reposted by Fergal McFerran
childlawcentre.bsky.social
Today’s news on plans to lower the voting age is to be warmly welcomed and must now be implemented without delay. CLC has long argued that 16 and 17 year olds should be able to vote and we pay particular tribute to the young people who have championed this cause for many years to claim their rights.
NEWS VOTES AT 16 ANNOUCED BY UK GOVERNMENT CLC REACTS Today’s news on plans to lower the voting age is to be warmly welcomed and must now be implemented without delay. CLC has long argued that 16 and 17 year olds should be able to vote and we pay particular tribute to the young people who have championed this cause for many years to claim their rights.
July 17, 2025 at 2:30 PM
fergalmcferran.bsky.social
Today’s UK Gov announcement to enable 16/17 year olds to vote (for their Councillors, MLAs as well as their MP) is long overdue & to be welcomed - it’s now even more crucial to ensure all young people receive properly resourced, meaningful democratic education that matches the scale of this change.
July 17, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Reposted by Fergal McFerran
childlawcentre.bsky.social
A classroom full of children are killed in Gaza every day, the UN Security Council were told yesterday alongside warnings of soaring child deaths, starvation and a shattered health system amid continuing bombardment and displacement .

Read more from the UN at
Gaza war: UN officials warn of unspeakable conditions as children bear the brunt
Conditions in Gaza have reached an unspeakable level of devastation with children paying the highest price, top UN officials told the Security Council on Wednesday, warning of soaring child deaths,…
news.un.org
July 17, 2025 at 9:33 AM
Reposted by Fergal McFerran
childlawcentre.bsky.social
We're delighted our amazing SEND Specialist Legal Adviser, Rachel Hogan BL, won a Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year award in the Social Welfare Law category.

Here she is collecting the award alongside her family, and toasting her success alongside our Head of Legal Services Kathryn Stevenson.
July 7, 2025 at 3:14 PM
fergalmcferran.bsky.social
🎉 Congratulations to @childlawcentre.bsky.social’s very own Rachel Hogan, very well deserved recognition! #LALY25
lalyawards.bsky.social Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards @lalyawards.bsky.social · Jul 4
And the Social Welfare Law winner #LALY25 is Rachel Hogan - ‪@childlawcentre.bsky.social‬
childrenslawcentre.org.uk/meet-the-tea... - a specialist SEND lawyer who makes sure children get their needs met and has also supported and empowered clients to tell their stories
July 4, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Reposted by Fergal McFerran
saraita101.bsky.social
Wrote for @theguardian.com about Ballymena and Northern Ireland's long history of violence against women ⬇️

www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The Ballymena violence has nothing to do with ‘protecting women’. It is racism, pure and simple | Sarah Creighton
Northern Ireland has always seen high levels of violence against women and girls. Blaming migrants is a useful way to distract from that, says political commentator from Northern Ireland Sarah Creight...
www.theguardian.com
June 14, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Reposted by Fergal McFerran
childlawcentre.bsky.social
Read our statement on the racist attacks taking place in Ballymena and across other areas this week.
The Children’s Law Centre unequivocally condemns the racist violence that has taken place in recent days in Ballymena and other areas. Many in our community, especially vulnerable children and young people, will be terrified by these events and deeply concerned by the potential for further harm. Everyone has a right to live in a society free from fear, intimidation and the threat of violence and we offer our unwavering solidarity to our neighbours and friends from ethnic minority communities. Our thoughts are with those who have had their lives utterly torn apart in recent days, the impact of which cannot be overstated.
June 12, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Reposted by Fergal McFerran
childlawcentre.bsky.social
Statement: The Children’s Law Centre unequivocally condemns the racist violence that has taken place in recent days in Ballymena and other areas. (1/4)
June 12, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Reposted by Fergal McFerran
childlawcentre.bsky.social
The Children's Law Centre is delighted to announce the appointment of John O'Doherty as CEO.

Read more at childrenslawcentre.org.uk/childrens-la...
NEWs UPDATE Children’s Law Centre Appoints John O’Doherty as New CEO THURSDAY 29TH MAY 2025 The Children’s Law Centre is pleased to announce the appointment of John O’Doherty as its new Chief Executive Officer. John will take up the role in August 2025. John O’Doherty, who comes with years of extensive experience in leading an NGO and working as a leading human rights defender, will lead CLC in the next phase of its work and development. “I am delighted to be handing over the reins of CLC to John. I have no doubt that he will successfully lead the organisation in the next stage of its work to vindicate the rights of children.” - Paddy Kelly
May 29, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Reposted by Fergal McFerran
childlawcentre.bsky.social
Take a quick look back at our recent Annual Lecture 2025, with the key note address delivered by Judge Síofra O’Leary.

You can watch the lecture in full at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lid1...
May 15, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Reposted by Fergal McFerran
phairycakes.bsky.social
Great to partner with @childlawcentre.bsky.social @voypic.bsky.social @includeyouth.bsky.social NIACRO and @childrensrightsqub.bsky.social to bring awareness to CCE and it's links with #MACR
childlawcentre.bsky.social Children's Law Centre @childlawcentre.bsky.social · May 20
Exploited Children Need Help, Not Handcuffs.

The latest blog on raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility in NI, this time by Megan Phair at Invisible Traffick
- qpol.qub.ac.uk/exploited-ch...

@voypic.bsky.social‬ @includeyouth.bsky.social‬ NIACRO @childrensrightsqub.bsky.social‬
May 20, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Reposted by Fergal McFerran
childlawcentre.bsky.social
Thank you to everyone who attended and watched CLC's Annual Lecture 2025. A particular thanks to Judge Síofra O’Leary for delivering the keynote address and to The Lady Chief Justice of Northern Ireland for chairing.

You can read more and watch it back at buff.ly/luIqZUV
Staff and volunteers at the Children's Law Centre gathered at the Old Bar Library in the Royal Courts of Justice, Belfast, for a team photo. Included in the photo is Judge Síofra O’Leary, The Right Honourable Dame Siobhan Keegan, Lady Chief Justice of Northern Ireland and CLC Chairperson Alicia Toal.
May 7, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Reposted by Fergal McFerran
childlawcentre.bsky.social
📢 CLC Director Paddy Kelly Presented with Co3 Lifetime Achievement Award 📢

➡️ Prominent child rights advocate
➡️ Founded CLC 27 years ago
➡️ Advanced child rights
➡️ Helped tens of thousands of children

🔗 Read more about Paddy stepping down from CLC at: buff.ly/3KPnf2R
Paddy Kelly speaks at a podium after accepting the Co3 Lifetime Achievement award.
April 3, 2025 at 6:01 PM
fergalmcferran.bsky.social
Today we attended the Justice Committee at Stormont to provide evidence on the need to improve the proposals within the Justice Bill to properly comply with children’s rights standards. You can read our initial written submission to the Committes below ⤵️
Image is of representatives of the Children’s Law Centre (Left to Right: Eamonn McNally, Paddy Kelly, Fergal McFerran) sat in a row at a table facing members of the NI Assembly Committee for Justice
March 27, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Reposted by Fergal McFerran
childlawcentre.bsky.social
At today’s Health Committee officials were questioned on plans to improve respite services. We were glad to support the Committee earlier this week to explore the systemic failings in the provision of services which have so often had devastating implications for children and families.

Read more ⤵️
Provision of Respite Care, a Priority for Assembly's Health Committee
www.niassembly.gov.uk
March 13, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Reposted by Fergal McFerran
childlawcentre.bsky.social
27 years of impact. A new chapter begins.

The Children’s Law Centre is looking for a CEO to lead, advocate, and drive change for children’s rights in Northern Ireland.

📆 Apply by 15 April: buff.ly/cNET2oy

#Leadership #CEO #ChildrensRights
A child holding cut out drawings of a diverse mix of people
March 12, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Reposted by Fergal McFerran
childlawcentre.bsky.social
Do you want to work in our Policy and Public Affairs team, affecting policy and legislative change for children and young people?

The deadline for applications is at 5pm on Monday 10th February.

Find out more at https://buff.ly/40O4RZg
Image of someone sitting in a waiting area, ready to be interviewed. Overlaid text reads: 'Children's Law Centre. Work with us. Policy and public affairs officer. Applications close at 5pm on Monday 10th February.'
February 5, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Reposted by Fergal McFerran
childlawcentre.bsky.social
The campaign to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility has been going for over 30 years.

Read our latest blog, kindly hosted by Queen's Policy Engagement, on why the time is right to raise our expectations for change, and finally raise the age.

Read at https://buff.ly/4hEB64g
Large text reads: 'BLOG: Do We Need to Raise Expectations in Order to Raise the Age of Criminal Responsibility?'
February 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Reposted by Fergal McFerran
savethechildrenni.bsky.social
We’re standing with campaigners & unions to spotlight again the Executive’s lack of action on poverty. We back the legal challenge being heard at the High Court that calls out government failure to adopt an anti-poverty strategy.
January 31, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Reposted by Fergal McFerran
childlawcentre.bsky.social
Today CLC joined CAJ and others outside the High Court in support of their legal challenge against Stormont for failing to adopt an Anti-Poverty Strategy.
viewdigital.bsky.social VIEWdigital @viewdigital.bsky.social · Jan 31
Protesters outside the High Court in Belfast today where a legal challenge will be submitted against the Stormont Executive for failing to adopt an anti-poverty strategy -
January 31, 2025 at 11:49 AM