Barnardos has responded to today’s report from the Public Accounts Committee
Dublin, Wednesday November 20th 2019: Barnardos has responded to today’s report from the Public Accounts Committee which highlighted that the Department of Children and Youth Affairs surrendered almost €60 million to the exchequer in 2018.
Suzanne Connolly, Barnardos CEO said: ‘It is really concerning that the Department of Children and Youth Affairs has returned €60 million to the exchequer given the extent of unmet need amongst children and families across Ireland. Some of this funding could have been given to organisations such as Barnardos who are providing intensive Family Support Services. The children and families that Tusla is concerned about are also the children and families that Barnardos works with. At present we have over 500 families waiting for our services who could have benefitted from these additional resources.
“Social Work is only one part of a complex service offering for families experiencing difficult circumstances. The provision of Family Support can offer consistency and a rapid response for children at risk of neglect and child abuse.
“While there are ongoing challenges in recruiting and retaining social workers, there are existing Family Support services that can meet the needs of children and families who have an unallocated social worker from the state. The social care support offered by the community and voluntary sector is not currently given a high enough priority by policymakers and when it is, the funding provided is insufficient. Barnardos currently receive 70% of the required funding for the provision of its services currently, compared to 80% in 2008“.
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
Earlier this year Barnardos commissioned independent research which highlighted that a lack of investment in appropriate frontline services results in an increase in preventable problems such as obesity, drug and alcohol use, crime and violence against children. Due to the underfunding of services that intervene early, Ireland is spending an additional €6.95bn on addressing preventable social problems.
For further information, please contact:
Barnardos Press Office: 01 7080442 / 086 0445966
Rachel Boyce; 01 7080443
Trudy McCarthy; 01 7080423