‘I don’t want to lose my child’

Growing numbers of new mothers are living in fear their babies
will be taken from them by social services because they are
homeless.


One woman who spoke to the Irish Examiner remains in hospital
with her baby after a C section, but is afraid that when she is
discharged her baby will go into care.  


In a statement, Tusla the Child and Family Agency said “Our goal
is always to keep children within their family units whenever
possible. It is important to emphasise that managing any referral
of concern involves an extensive process.


"This process can include several steps including screening,
preliminary inquiries, initial assessments, and appropriate
onward actions. Actions may then lead to family support services,
safety planning processes, or, as a last resort, taking the child
into State care, either voluntarily or through a court order.”


In September, 16,614 people were living in emergency
accommodation, almost a third of them children. Over 3,000 women
are now homeless, the highest number ever. The Government this
week launched a new housing plan, promising 300,000 new homes by
the end of 2030.


Irish Examiner Reporter Alison O’Reilly joins Deirdre on today’s
episode of the podcast.


 


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