THE CHILDREN’S Ombudsman Emily Logan is seeking the views of homeless young people to understand their experiences of homelessness and crisis intervention services.
Ms Logan said the consequences of not listening to the voices of vulnerable children have been graphically illustrated in the Ryan Report into child abuse and other investigations.
“Homeless children are extremely vulnerable and generally live very chaotic lives,” she said.
“I am very keen to understand the level of interaction they have with the State and the type and quality of services and supports that they are receiving.”
Recent official figures showed that almost 800 children were homeless and in need of emergency accommodation in 2009.
Up to one-quarter of these children were under 12.
Most of these children in crisis ended up in emergency hostels, residential services or emergency foster care.
The Ombudsman has asked that any professionals who are working with homeless children who may wish to make their experiences known should contact her office over the coming weeks.
The consultation with homeless children is part of a wider piece of work undertaken by the Ombudsman for Children’s Office on the provision by the Health Service Executive of homelessness and crisis intervention services for vulnerable children.
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