Minister publishes HSC Children and Young People's Emotional Health and Wellbeing Framework
Date published:
Health Minister Robbie Butler has published the finalised HSC Children and Young People's Emotional Health and Wellbeing Framework.
The Framework sets out a shared vision for improving the emotional health and wellbeing of children and young people across Northern Ireland over the next ten years, promoting a whole-system approach based on prevention, early intervention, partnership working, and timely access to support.
It also recognises that support should be available as early as possible rather than waiting for difficulties to reach crisis point.
The Minister said:
"This Framework is about making it easier for children, young people and families to access support and ensure help is available as early as possible.
"We know that families can sometimes find services difficult to navigate. By creating clearer pathways into support, strengthening local neighbourhood-based services and developing a single point of entry approach, we want to make sure children and young people get the right help, at the right time, in the right place.
“The Framework reflects a shared commitment across health, education and community partners to continue shifting our focus towards prevention and early intervention, helping more children and young people stay well and get support before problems escalate.
“Most importantly, it has been shaped by the voices of children, young people and families, and we want those voices to continue to guide implementation in the years ahead."
Work will now begin on the implementation phase, with further engagement planned to help shape priorities and ensure the Framework delivers meaningful improvements for children, young people and families.
This will include a dedicated Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) project to engage children and young people, parents, carers and stakeholders in shaping implementation priorities and delivery arrangements.
The findings from this engagement will help ensure that implementation of the Framework is informed by lived experience and reflects the needs of children, young people and families.
Notes to editors:
- The HSC Children and Young People’s Emotional Health and Wellbeing Framework can be read in full here: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/hsc-children-and-young-peoples-emotional-health-and-wellbeing-framework
- The Department of Health consulted on the draft Emotional Health and Wellbeing Framework in 2025. It was undertaken to test developing ideas and proposals as set out in the draft Framework and gather a wide range of views and perspectives from stakeholders. A summary and analysis of the consultation responses received can be read in full here: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2026-10/HSC%20%20Consultation%20Analysis%20%20Children%20and%20Young%20Peoples%20Emotional%20Health%20and%20Wellbeing%20Framework%20%28October%202026%29.pdf
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