Ombudsman for Children encouraged by focus on children in Housing Action Plan – now urgent implementation needed

The Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, has said that he is encouraged by the fact that specific measures in relation to children have been included in the Housing Action Plan announced today (Tuesday). He also added that he expects the implementation of these measures to be included in the auditing and monitoring of the plan.

“In our consultation with the Department of Housing, we highlighted the importance of bringing to an end the now normal practise of using hotels and B&Bs as emergency accommodation. I very much welcome the commitment in this plan that by the middle of next year, hotels will only be used as emergency accommodation in limited circumstances.

“B&B and hotel accommodation are not suitable for normal family living, and should be a measure of last resort for children and their families. The Ombudsman for Children’s Office will closely monitor the implementation of the plan in this respect.

“As suggested by the Ombudsman for Children’s Office, the plan promotes a joined-up approach between education, health and Tusla to meet the needs of homeless families, by using the existing Children and Young People’s Service Committees. This is very much to be welcomed.

“The plan states that dedicated child support workers will be appointed to develop support plans for children and families. The plan also contains measures to provide home school community liaison and school completion staff to assist children experiencing homelessness to maintain regular school attendance.

“While these commitments, if implemented correctly, will have a positive impact on children, they will put extra pressure on already under resourced services. I note that the plan does include additional resources to strengthen inter-agency arrangements. These extra resources will be vital.

“The Ombudsman for Children’s Office also welcomes the inclusion of a safety guidance or voluntary code for child safety in emergency accommodation which will be produced and reviewed with relevant stakeholders. This was a key recommendation of this office and we will be happy to engage with this process if necessary to ensure that children are living in safe and secure environments.

“I am also interested to learn more about the suggested pilot project which will provide off-site or near-site family facilities including play, homework, cooking and washing facilities. These facilities are very much needed but we must ensure that children are not singled out from their peers.”

ENDS

Contact:
Aoife Carragher
Ombudsman for Children’s Office
01 865 6806/ 087 148 4173

Notes to Editor

• The Ombudsman for Children’s Office is an independent statutory body with an overall mandate to promote the rights and welfare of children under the age of 18 living in Ireland.
• Among the Ombudsman for Children’s core statutory functions is the independent and impartial investigation of complaints made by, or on behalf of, children in relation to public bodies, as well as organisations providing services on behalf of the State.

• 20 July 2016