Madam, – I must commend The Irish Times for bringing attention to the situation of separated children seeking asylum (“What generation hostel did next”, Features, May 7th).
As a Youth Programme Co-ordinator who runs projects specifically for this target group, as well as Irish children and young people in care, I have been continually shocked at the double-standards when it comes to the delivery of care to these children.
Your article spoke of the success stories, but unfortunately they are few and far between. Many of these young people are left unsupported and vulnerable and though the situation has improved thanks to the efforts of the Ombudsman for Children, there is much to be done.
There are still young people who have entered the “aged-out” bracket, having turned 18, and are now accommodated in adult hostels, having been removed from their schools and any semblance of community they may have established, or youth services they may be accessing.
Still more are facing uncertainty as they struggle with the pressures of Leaving Cert exams, in the knowledge that their hostels will close in the coming months and they face a move from Dublin.
Others suffer from depression and other mental health issues once they finish their schooling and are left indefinitely in adult accommodation centres without support or services.
Our programme attempts to maintain contact with these young people and ensure they continue to be included regardless of their geographical location, but this is not a long-term solution. These young people must be offered the same protection and services that Irish young people in care receive, and have their cases judged by the Reception and Integration Agency individually, and in consultation with care workers and social workers.
We have a long history in this country of failing the most vulnerable children and young people. Lets not do so again to another generation. – Yours, etc,