Focus on Children was established in October 1992 as across border initiative to address child welfare issues throughout Ireland within the context of the developing European Union. The initiative is comprised of 24 member organisations, 12 from the North of Ireland and 12 from the Republic and involves children, communities, professionals and policymakers from both jurisdictions, including different religious and political traditions, working nationality and as transnational partners in Europe to improve the life chances of children. Focus on children has produced a major report, called Blueprint for Action, which makes over 250 recommendations to both the Irish and British Governments as a basis for meeting the needs and promoting the rights of children on the island of Ireland as European citizens.
 
Focus on Children is involved in lobbying politicians and officials in both jurisdictions in Ireland and the European Union, to promote children's issues including the UN Convention on the Rights of the child. It has the basis in Dublin and Belfast.