Child sex abuse clinic cuts service over funds
And it fears further services may have to be cancelled or scaled down from next year if money doesn't come in soon.
The Children at Risk in Ireland (CARI) Foundation has already dropped a 19-day training programme for hundreds of transition year and primary-school children scheduled for December.
The preventive education programme workshops were designed to boost children's self esteem and confidence.
CARI's national director Mary Flaherty says the group is facing a similar quandary to One in Four the support group for adult survivors of abuse. She fears the helpline hours could be next.
"We are currently preparing our budgets for next year.
"The Government gives us 20% funding. We had hoped to increase that to 40% this year but have also fallen victim to the funding freeze."
More than 3,000 people, mostly mothers who fear their child has been a victim of sexual abuse, phone CARI each year.
CARI is organising an annual gala ball at Jury's Hotel, Ballsbridge, Dublin, on Saturday, November 29. Tickets are available at €130 each from the foundation's Dublin office at 110 Lower Drumcondra Road, Dublin 9.
Donations can be made to the head office, or to AIB Drumcondra, account number 055 96007, sort code 93-21-08.
CARI helpline 1890-924567 is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 5.30pm.
