Barnardos welcomes the publication of the Child and Family Homelessness Action Plan today. Given the ever increasing record numbers of children living in emergency accommodation it is important the Government is taking proactive measures to address the problem. It is positive that an extra €20 million has been allocated to resource actions to help and support children who are being harmed and traumatised while moving into and living in emergency accommodation.
Stephen Moffatt, Barnardos National Policy Manager said:
“In particular we welcome the potential enhanced supports for children at risk of living in emergency accommodation; increased parent support programmes; developing mechanisms to support victims of domestic violence and their children staying in their own homes; and dedicated casework support for families with status exiting IPAS accommodation.
“However, the exact details of the measures outlined in the plan will determine whether or not it will make a real difference in the lives of children. It is extremely difficult to provide children and young people a nurturing and stable home environment when living in emergency accommodation, many of whom will also be experiencing deprivation and other adverse childhood experiences. The Action Plan will only go so far in improving that and mitigating some of the harm and trauma that children face.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Barnardos Press Office: 01 708 0442 / 086 044 5966
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