Almost 500 children became homeless in 2003 due to behavioural problems, inability of parents to cope or a family member's addiction to drugs or alcohol, according to official figures.
The majority of the 476 homeless children were in their mid- to late teens, although health authorities recorded 14 as being under the age of 12.
The highest number of homeless children was recorded in more urban areas such as greater Dublin (207), followed by the south (102), the southeast (61) and the west (20). The lowest figures were in the northwest, where just two children were found to be homeless.
Overall, the number of homeless children has been decreasing, although service providers say their needs are often more acute.
The main reason for a child becoming homeless was an emotional or behavioural problem (31 per cent), followed by the inability of parents to cope (21 per cent) and children abusing drugs or alcohol (11 per cent).
The figures for 2003, supplied to The Irish Times, were recorded by regional health authorities and recently collated by the Department of Health. They represent homeless children on their own who were not being cared for by their families. Figures for 2004 are still being compiled.
Health authorities responded to all 476 cases of homeless children in 2003 by returning children home (27 per cent) and providing residential or hostel accommodation (18 per cent), outreach services (16 per cent), assisted living or supported lodging (12 per cent) or foster placements (8 per cent).
Director of services at Focus Ireland Orla Barry said a significant proportion of these children would have been in the care of the State, but their placements may have fallen through for a variety of reasons.
"A priority for us is to ensure these young people don't become the adult homeless of tomorrow. If every year there's a drift of young people who have fallen through the childcare system, the potential for that is huge."
She said more effective intervention at community care level had helped reduce youth homelessness, but added that more needed to be done in providing individual responses to children.
Meanwhile, the Homeless Agency, the body responsible for funding and planning homeless services in the Dublin area, is due to publish a five-year strategy which will include other measures aimed at preventing youth homelessness.
Agency director Dearval Howley said: "Even though the numbers are decreasing, they may have much higher and chaotic needs. A priority is to ensure the necessary supports are in place."
