Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse

Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse, Public & Government Service, 5th Floor South, Queen’s Court, 56-66 Upper Queen Street, Belfast.

The Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse represents and promotes the interests of victims and survivors who were abused as children in residential institutions in Northern Ireland between 1922 and 1995.

𝗖𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗖𝗔 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲Our latest COSICA update is now available.This edition highlights recent work undertaken by the...
26/08/2026

𝗖𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗖𝗔 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Our latest COSICA update is now available.

This edition highlights recent work undertaken by the Office of the Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse, including:

✅ A call for a prevalence study on non-recent child abuse in Northern Ireland
✅ Ongoing work to identify and highlight the needs of victims and survivors
✅ The work of COSICA’s Advisory Panel

The update also includes reflections from former Commissioner Fiona Ryan on her time in office and the priorities that remain important to victims and survivors.

Read the full update here: 🔗 https://www.cosica-ni.org/news/commissioner-update-summer-2026

If you would like information about specialist supports and services, please contact us in confidence.

📞 028 9054 4985
📧 [email protected]

Did you spend time in an institution in Northern Ireland, such as a children's home, training school or borstal, before ...
10/08/2026

Did you spend time in an institution in Northern Ireland, such as a children's home, training school or borstal, before the age of 18 between 1922 and 1995, or were you sent to Australia under the Child Migrant Programme?

Victims and survivors of non-recent/historical institutional child abuse in Northern Ireland may be able to access specialist supports and services, including physical and mental health support, whether they currently live in Northern Ireland or elsewhere.

If you would like more information, or are unsure whether you are eligible, please contact us in confidence.

30/07/2026

We were delighted to attend the opening of Look Back to Look Forward: 50 Years of the Irish in Britain at Queen’s University Belfast this week. A moving exhibition which explores the diverse experiences of those who left home to build new lives elsewhere, and which highlights important themes of community, work and cultural identity.

Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse to Step DownAfter more than five years in post, the Commissi...
10/07/2026

Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse to Step Down

After more than five years in post, the Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse, Fiona Ryan, will leave her role in August to take up the post of Chief Executive with a statutory agency in the Republic of Ireland.

Reflecting on her time as Commissioner, Fiona paid tribute to victims and survivors, their families, survivor groups and their representatives, as well as members of her Advisory Panel, acknowledging the courage and commitment they have shown in their ongoing campaign for justice.

Fiona said:

"Establishing and leading the Office of the Commissioner and advocating on behalf of survivors of non-recent/historical institutional child abuse has been one of the greatest honours of my life.

I want to express my profound thanks to the victims and survivors.

Above all, during my time as Commissioner, I wanted survivors to know: we see you; we hear you; we believe you. The experiences they shared with me about their lives before, during and after their time in institutions will stay with me forever."

Throughout her time in office, Fiona has worked to ensure that the voices of victims and survivors were heard, reiterating that their views should be the paramount consideration in the State Apology and the development of a permanent memorial at Stormont.

The Office’s research consultation into victims' and survivors’ health and supports and services once again ensured that the experiences and views of victims and survivors were the priority consideration.

The Office of the Commissioner will continue to advocate for lifelong services to victims and survivors.

You can read Fiona's full statement here.

https://www.cosica-ni.org/news/commissioner-survivors-institutional-childhood-abuse-step-down-role

Statement from Fiona Ryan, Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse, on the publication of the Truth ...
07/07/2026

Statement from Fiona Ryan, Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse, on the publication of the Truth Recovery Independent Panel Final Report into Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses.

Commissioner Ryan said:

"Today’s report marks an important milestone for victims and survivors of Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses. First and foremost, I would like to pay tribute to those who came forward to share their experiences with the Truth Recovery Independent Panel, and who did so with such courage and honesty.

Today's report highlights the harrowing experiences endured by women and children. We must fully understand the cause and impact of these institutional failings and systemic abuses, as well as the relationship between institutions, and ensure that those affected receive the recognition, support and acknowledgement they deserve.

For many victims and survivors, the legacy of their experiences in institutions can and does last a lifetime.

You can read Fiona's full statement here:

https://www.cosica-ni.org/news/statement-fiona-ryan-commissioner-survivors-institutional-childhood-abuse-publication-truth

We recognise and understand that child abuse can have a deep and lasting impact. Our website provides a range of informa...
25/06/2026

We recognise and understand that child abuse can have a deep and lasting impact. Our website provides a range of information and contact details for organisations that can offer support:

www.cosica-ni.org/support

This support may include information on health and mental wellbeing, practical assistance, and access to wider services. We encourage any victims and survivors of historical institutional child abuse who wish to seek access to specialist supports and services to reach out to us.

Staff from COSICA were pleased to attend the Fréa Renewing Roots Oral History Project, From Institutions to Emigration, ...
23/06/2026

Staff from COSICA were pleased to attend the Fréa Renewing Roots Oral History Project, From Institutions to Emigration, at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin on Friday.

It was a thoughtful and informative evening, with powerful oral histories shared by survivors of Ireland’s institutions, and a strong reminder of the importance of making sure these experiences continue to be heard, remembered and understood.

This week, staff from COSICA visited the memorial plaque at Parliament Buildings, Stormont, dedicated to victims and sur...
18/06/2026

This week, staff from COSICA visited the memorial plaque at Parliament Buildings, Stormont, dedicated to victims and survivors of historical institutional child abuse, taking a quiet moment to reflect and pay their respects.

COSICA remains committed to advocating on behalf of victims and survivors and promoting their needs and priorities.

If you would like to get in touch, you can contact us on 028 9054 4985 or email [email protected].

Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse, Fiona Ryan, attended the British Association for Counsellin...
10/06/2026

Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse, Fiona Ryan, attended the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) ‘Making Connections’ event in Derry/Londonderry today. Fiona delivered a keynote address “Listen to Know: Consultation on Supports and Services to Victims and Survivors of Non-Recent/Historical Institutional Child Abuse”.

This was a valuable opportunity to engage with practitioners across the sector, strengthen understanding of the experiences of victims and survivors of non-recent/historical institutional child abuse and explore how insights from our consultation can inform therapeutic practice.

We are very grateful to the BACP for the opportunity to contribute to this important event and to share learning with colleagues working across vital counselling and psychotherapy services.

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5th Floor South, Queen’s Court, 56-66 Upper Queen Street
Belfast
BT16FD

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