From Department of Children and Youth Affairs
Published at
The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O’Gorman T.D. today announced a series of online webinars focusing on prevention and early intervention.
The ‘Festival of Learning’ will spotlight leading global policymakers, practitioners and thinkers in prevention and early intervention, highlighting how it can improve the lives of children and young people.
Four seminars are planned on:
- the State’s role in prevention and early intervention,
- how Government policy can be preventative,
- the role of entrepreneurial thinking in public services, and
- the potential impacts of Artificial Intelligence on children and young people.
All those working in children and young people’s sectors are welcome to attend, but online registration in advance is essential.
Minister O’Gorman said:
“I’m delighted to be announcing this series of webinars. We know that prevention and early intervention can be cost effective, and more importantly it can improve the lives of children and young people. My Department is at the forefront of efforts to elevate its profile and ensure its potential is realised everywhere in Government.
“I am looking forward to hearing both from international experts in this area, and our own policymakers, providers and practitioners whose long-standing, diligent work will be recognised.”
This Festival of Learning is taking place as part of What Works, an initiative designed by the Department, with Dormant Accounts funding, to maximise the impact of prevention and early intervention to improve outcomes for children and young people living in Ireland. More details of each seminar are available on the What Works website and all those interested should register HERE.
Key international speakers and contributors to the sessions include Minister Roderic O’Gorman, Dr Patrick McCarthy (former President, Annie E. Casey Foundation), Professor Paul Cairney (University of Stirling), Rowan Conway (UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose), Alexa Hasse (Harvard University), and Dr Aisling Gillen (Tusla, the Child and Family Agency). The event will be moderated by Áine Kerr, an experienced teacher turned journalist turned entrepreneur who has presented ‘Reignite’ on Radio 1 and ‘The Business’ on RTÉ.
The Festival of Learning is intended to appeal both to those already working in prevention and early intervention and those looking to learn more about the subject. It will be presented in a conversational style, exploring new ideas and encouraging vibrant discussion with contributors and the audience. The Department is working with the Centre for Effective Services (CES) to manage this event.
