Citation

Harvey B, Menton M. Child. Youth Serv. Rev. 1989; 11(1): 31-43.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1989, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0190-7409(89)90004-2

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Reports on homeless children in Ireland go back as far as the eighteenth century. A serious problem of homeless youth has become apparent since the early 1970s. Despite detailed reports, state services have been slow to respond with the provision of shelter and accommodation. Resources have instead been allocated to the juvenile justice system. Voluntary social organizations have faced increasing demands from homeless young people displaced by economic and social change. In 1984, the Government's National Youth Policy Committee recommended a comprehensive range of specific and urgent measures to help Ireland's homeless young people. However, government investment in social services has declined since then and two major legislative bills that would provide a framework for both children in need and the homeless have not materialised. By 1988, the situation had worsened appreciably.