Accepting, without ambition to change, the numbers now living in emergency accommodation is fatal to tackling the problem, writes Cliodhna O’Neill of the ISPCC.
We are failing to learn lessons from the past on child protection. It is a shameful mark of disrespect to the many children who have suffered abuse and neglect in Ireland.
Last week Childline said its service deals not just with abuse children, but with children who are worried about the recession and how it’s impacted on their families.
Childline should be expanding. Instead we’re faced with the awful possibility that a child calling in desperation might have no one to answer their call.
Ahead of the charity’s AGM in Dublin today, the ISPCC said it is now at breaking point and could be forced to close Childline at night – when children need them most.
Children’s charities have been critical of the lack of access to services for children who have been sexually abused, as the HSE does not have the specialist staff to treat them.
The charity has published advice for parents in light of the alleged attack in Athlone. It urges parents to teach basic rules to children from the age of two.
IT’S THE OCTOBER bank holiday and the country has taken a mini leap towards full reopening.
Nightclubs with dancing and largescale events are back on the craic menu and punters can even queue at a bar to order a drink.
But the numbers continue to be high and warnings remain about the importance for social distancing.
All remaining Covid-19 restrictions were planned to be lifted today but that rise in cases and increased hospitalisations has meant that the handbrake has not been completely released.
With all that said we would like to know: will you reduce your social contacts this bank holiday weekend?
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Clouds and sun with a couple of showers
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