Targeted support for teens needed

THE SALVATION Army says targeted support should be provided to at-risk teenagers to prevent them from prolonged periods of homelessness.

More than a quarter of homeless people in Dublin were living on the streets before they turned 18 years of age and 73 per cent of these have now been homeless for more than one year, according to research conducted by the organisation.

Relationship breakdown was cited as the main reason for their homelessness by 34 per cent, and mental health issues and substance abuse were also seen as significant contributors by the 101 homeless people interviewed for the research project.

Salvation Army officer Major Ivor Telfer said the early identification of individuals and families at risk of becoming homeless was vital and necessary.

“There are people in the community who can easily identify at risk people and we need a better network among voluntary agencies to improve in this area.”

About 57 per cent of those interviewed had significant mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression or psychosis.

Two thirds of respondents had a high drug dependency level and 44 per cent said they had an alcohol problem.

Only 25 per cent of respondents said they were receiving treatment for mental health problems and 35 per cent were being treated for substance misuse.

Major Telfer said 43 per cent of respondents had no close relationship with their mother and almost half lacked a close relationship with their father, which he felt deprived them of vital social and family support networks.

“When the relationship with their mother is poor they would often engage in anti-social behaviour. A bad relationship with the father often leads them into the criminal justice system.”

Major Telfer said agencies working with the homeless needed “consistent longterm funding from various Government sources rather than short term fixes”.

He said the Salvation Army expects to record a deficit of about €1.4m this year in order to keep its Dublin operations up and running.