A new set of awards for individuals and agencies providing services to children was launched yesterday by Minister for Children Brendan Smith.
The Children Acts Advisory Board awards were set up to recognise those providing services to young people under the various Children's Acts in areas such as education, juvenile justice and residential care.
Aidan Browne, chief executive of the board, said that the awards would "provide a platform for the many silent successes of those working with children and young people to be acknowledged and celebrated".
"It is also hoped that the awards will help promote and bring together agencies working in partnership with children and young people," Mr Browne said.
The advisory board was previously known as the Special Residential Services Board and was relaunched under its new name last month. The services board's main role was to advise the Minister for Children on matters relating to the remand and detention of children, but the new body's role has been extended. It will now advise the Ministers for Health, Justice and Children on certain policy issues and will encourage co-operation between the various agencies working with children at risk.
Mr Smith encouraged the key organisations involved to share their success stories.
The closing date for entries is December 7th and the winners of the awards will be announced next February. The judging panel will include John Lonergan, governor of Mountjoy Prison, and Cllr Rotimi Adebari, the mayor of Portlaoise. Details are available on www.srsb.ie
