TACTIC

The TACTIC group (Teenagers and Children Talking in Care) was formed as an advisory body to state departments, carers and children and young people in care. The group itself is made up of Irish children and young people in state care ranging in age from 8 to 18.

We met the group initially for consultations and workshops, listening to their thoughts, concerns and very definite ideas of how they should be portrayed and how a suite of support material should work.They wanted to produce a specific set of books to help children when they first go into care of the state, explaining their foster care or residential care situation and how others like them have coped.These books would become a vital aid and support to some potentially scared children in new situations.

We discussed their preferred styles and colour palette preferences, fonts and formats of communication, so that we could create something that communicated directly to them and that they would be proud to be part of.

The final suite of material includes a set of branded books, illustrated and targeted to different age groups, separate folder packs, posters, bookmarks and a range of care-plan material. It is specifically designed to help Irish children and young people, new to residential or foster care, to understand and deal with their own situation in a less scary way.

The plan was launched in Dublin Castle by the Minister for Children in December 2014.