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  3. Young person’s direct account of experiencing homelessness highlights power of listening to Children

Young person’s direct account of experiencing homelessness highlights power of listening to Children

  • 20 Samhna 2014
  • Cineál: Preaseisiúint
  • Ábhar: Leanaí faoi chúram, Tithíocht

A first-hand account of a young person’s experience of accessing and using homelessness services in Ireland is featured in a video released by the Ombudsman for Children’s Office today (Thursday) to marks the 25th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.  Ratified by Ireland in 1992, the UNCRC sets out the rights that all children under 18 years of age are entitled to including the right to an adequate standard of living and the right to have their views heard.

Between September and December 2011, the Office conducted face-to-face interviews with young people currently using, or with recent past experience of using such services in Dublin and Cork – the two places in Ireland where hostel-style accommodation is currently being used for young people. The issue of homeless children has come to the attention of the Office through the Complaints and Investigation function. It has also has been reported to the Oireachtas through previous annual reports.

The result of this project was first-hand account of young people’s experiences of homelessness compiled in a report called Homeless Truths which was supplied to policy makers in the area of youth homeless and it was referenced in the Department  of Children and Youth Affairs in its 2013 Review of the Youth Homelessness Strategy.

The OCO continues to examine cases relating to homelessness through its complaints and investigation service.

ENDS 

Contact: Nikki Gallagher at 01-8656803 or 086-8163246

Notes to Editors: 

  • The Ombudsman for Children has a statutory mandate set out in the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002 to promote and monitor the rights and welfare of children under 18 in Ireland. Included in this mandate is the obligation to consult with children and young people and to highlight issues relating to their rights and welfare that are of concern to them.
  • 20 Samhna 2014
  • Cineál: Preaseisiúint
  • Ábhar: Leanaí faoi chúram, Tithíocht

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