Focus on Children has set its goals extremely high in the interest of children. From its establishment it has campaigned to change European, Irish and U.K. laws to improve the quality of life for children.

Nothing less than the full implementation of the Blueprint for Action and its recommendations by the U.K. and Irish governments will suffice. Focus on Children will continue to campaign until children in Ireland and throughout Europe are recognised as participating citizens with rights as individuals and that these rights are enshrined in law. Focus on Children has set about changing not only the legislation within the two jurisdictions in Ireland and the European Union, but dramatically altering the culture, values and practices of individuals and institutions across Ireland and Europe. This work has been recognised as some of the most significant on behalf of children ever undertaken in Europe. The work is expensive, time consuming and often unpopular because it challenges ignorance and the stereotypes often projected on children.
Specific areas of work undertaken in 1997 includes:

• Work with the Dutch Presidency of the European Union to ensure that changes in the Draft European Treaty were realised in the final Treaty.


• Work with Luxembourg Presidency and prepare for U.K. Presidency.


• Work with MEPs and MPs/TDs in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to develop policy around the successes of changes in legislation. This will mean increased resources for children through European Programmes.


• Further develop the island of Ireland Participation Initiative across and between the four provinces on the island of Ireland. This will involve residential meetings and the production of a major report produced by young people on their rights, needs and interests. The first such major undertaking on this island. This report will be presented at a Summit Conference organised by young people through Focus on Children.


• A project is being developed to focus on the responsibilities of adults towards children on securing an environment for children in which their rights, interests and needs can be met.


• A major Public Hearing is being planned on Education and Achievement. This to be initiated this year.


• It is proposed to revisit the Blueprint for Action to review the implementation of the recommendations and evaluate progress on the key issues including cross-border co-operation and coherence.


• It is also proposed to take the key sections of the Blueprint for Action and produce a working document for those involved in children's issues to develop a European context for those elements which do not fall within the definition of subsidiarity.


• Continued work with Euronet, EFCW and other appropriate European NGOs and agencies as they support the stated aims of focus on children.