CHILD WELFARE FAIL Government gets worst mark for children’s rights in six years as campaigners warn vulnerable kids are becoming invisible

THE Government has got its worst mark in six years for children’s rights with campaigners warning some of the most vulnerable are being rendered invisible.

Awarding a D plus grade, the Children’s Rights Alliance said young victims of crime, homeless and poverty stricken youngsters, those from Traveller and Roma families and child refugees and asylum seekers are being left behind.

The latest official figures, issued on Monday evening, revealed 87 families with 151 children became homeless in January in Dublin alone, that is one child becoming homeless every five hours.

There are now 2,407 children living in emergency accommodation, hotels or B&Bs and 2,046 of them are in the capital.

Focus Ireland director of advocacy Mike Allen said: “There is a real danger that we are beginning to view family homelessness as one of those unsolvable problems which is always with us.

“Behind each of these numbers there is a real human being, a child wanting the same opportunities to learn and to play like every other child, or a parent wanting to do the best for their children and make the most of their own life.”

The latest official figures, issued on Monday evening, revealed 87 families with 151 children became homeless in January in Dublin alone, that is one child becoming homeless every five hours.

                                                         THE IRISH SUN