Press Release
3 June 2008
New Network Considers the issues for the Children of Migrant Workers in Wales
A new network to support professionals who work with children of migrant workers has been set up by Children in Wales.
The children of migrant workers come to live in Wales with their parents when they come here to find job opportunities. Coming to a new country can offer many challenges to a child or young person. They are away from home and the surroundings that they are used to and may have problems with language that may make it hard for them to get the best out of education and other services. There may also be cultural differences that make it difficult for them to adjust to their lives here.
The new network has been set up to enable professionals who work with these children and young people to come together to discuss problems, share ideas and seek solutions
Sean O’Neill, Policy Director at Children in Wales said:
"There are many new challenges facing children from across Europe and elsewhere who come to Wales with their parents for a variety of reasons, including to find work and to generally improve their circumstances. However, we know that difficulties can arise in settling into a new environment, in terms of their schooling, finding suitable housing and negotiating their way around all the health, legal and support services. By setting up this new network, we hope to be able to support professionals better to help overcome some of these barriers."
Notes:
1. The an inaugural meeting of the Network will take place on Tuesday 3rd June 2.00pm - 4.30pm at Children in Wales offices, 25 Windsor Place, Cardiff. This meeting will be an opportunity for attendees to engage in an informed open discussion around the key issues impacting on this group of children, the role and purpose of this Network and its membership. It will also begin work towards a schedule of activities and priorities to focus on in the future.
2. Children in Wales was established in March 1992 and became a registered charity in 1993. It aims to promote the interests of children, to improve services in Wales and to put children high on the Welsh agenda. We work closely with our members who comprise professionals, policy makers and consumer groups to improve the lives of all children living in Wales, but especially young children, those affected by family instability, children with special needs or disabilities and those suffering the effects of poverty and deprivation. We collect and disseminate information about children and promote good practice in children's services through research, policy and practice development, publications, conferences, seminars, training and access to an extensive library and information service. Children in Wales has offices in Cardiff and Caernarfon.
For more information contact:
Sean O’Neill, Policy Director, Children in Wales, Tel: 029 2034 2434, E-mail: sean.oneill@childreninwales.org.uk