“Every child deserves safety”: Councillor Barr leads MEA safeguarding push

Inset: Councillor Alan Barr

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has unanimously supported a notice of motion brought by Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) Braid Councillor Alan Barr calling for increased awareness and education on child safeguarding among council staff, elected members, and residents.

The motion, passed at the council meeting on Monday, 21 July, seeks to enhance collaboration between the local authority and statutory and voluntary bodies in a bid to improve child protection efforts across the borough.

Councillor Barr described the issue as “a most uncomfortable and upsetting” one to raise but insisted that it was vital, stating:

“This evening I was pleased that my notice of motion regarding child safeguarding within Mid and East Antrim Borough Council was unanimously passed.”

He added:

“Within the motion I referred to horrific statistics regarding child abuse, what child abuse is and how it can be prevented.

“I hope that this notice of motion will create a safer world for our children to grow and thrive. Every child has the right to a safe and happy childhood, and it is up to us to ensure that right is upheld.”

Disturbing statistics prompt action

In the chamber, Cllr Barr laid out stark figures, drawn from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), to highlight the scale of abuse impacting the borough.

He revealed that during the first quarter of 2025, 555 children in the Northern Trust area — which includes Mid and East Antrim — were listed on the Child Protection Register for various forms of abuse, including:

• 174 due to physical abuse

• 148 due to neglect and physical abuse

• 142 due to neglect

• 50 due to sexual abuse

• 22 due to emotional abuse

He also cited PSNI figures indicating that 146 managed and convicted sexual offenders live within the borough, including 108 individuals with convictions involving children.

“These children have been abused by those who should have been protecting and caring for them,” said Cllr Barr.

“As a dad, I cannot imagine the horrors that those poor children suffer.”

A call for preventative action

Cllr Barr urged the council to take proactive steps, outlining a number of key preventative measures. These include:

• Educating staff and councillors on recognising and reporting abuse

• Ensuring council premises are safe for children

• Encouraging community vigilance and support

• Ensuring strong legal frameworks are in place

“Child protection involves safeguarding children from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence,” he said.

“Ensuring the safety and well-being of children is not just a moral obligation but a fundamental right that every child deserves.”

The motion was seconded by fellow UUP councillor Bethany Ferris and received unanimous backing from all members present.