ALMOST 800 children ended up homeless and in need of emergency accommodation last year, new figures show. Up to a quarter of these children were under 12.
Most of these children in crisis ended up in emergency hostels, residential services or emergency foster families.
However, social workers say the lack of accommodation and 24-hour social work cover has resulted in some children ending up in inappropriate settings such as hospitals, Garda stations or, in one case, a 24-hour internet cafe.
Latest official figures compiled by the Health Service Executive show that 785 young people were homeless last year.
The vast majority (705) were from the greater Dublin area, with just 80 young people from the west or south.
Significant progress had been made in tackling youth homelessness in recent years, with the number falling to 495 in 2004. But over the past three years, numbers have been significantly higher, with numbers at 800 in 2008 and 831 in 2007.
A breakdown of figures shows the number of young homeless under 12 was 284 in 2008 and 275 in 2007. The 2009 data does not provide such a breakdown, but the figure is understood to be broadly similar.
Research shows that many young homeless have previously been in State care and may have drug or alcohol problems. Significant numbers also tend to be from violent homes.
The Irish Association of Social Care Workers said last night there was an urgent need for more appropriate accommodation to meet the needs of homeless children.
Association president Ineke Durville said too often children with very complex needs were being placed in night-time emergency services when they needed more structure and support.
“This is about children’s lives. They are young for a very short period of time and they have to have their needs met or they will be damaged,” she said.
Health authorities, however, say there has been a significant increase in after-care places and emergency beds. In addition, an emergency fostering service have been established to ensure accommodation can be sourced at short notice at any time of day or night.
The latest figures were released to Labour TD Joan Burton who said they reflected the failure of social services to intervene early enough in the lives of vulnerable children.
“Early intervention is crucial. Once a problem with a child or family escalates and becomes out of control, young people are much more vulnerable and likely to end up homeless. We need services to help prevent these problems before they get to this stage,” Ms Burton said.
Focus Ireland, which provides accommodation to many young homeless people, says the numbers also reflect the need to introduce a legal right to aftercare for young people.