Charity helps hundreds of deprived children get back on track

Evelyn Ring

Founded by the late Jesuit priest, Fr Michael Sweetman, Home Again has cared for more than 450 boys over 40 years, helping them to integrate with friends, do well in school, participate in sports and related activities and fulfil their potential.

Yesterday, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was guest of honour at a special celebration in Dublin’s Mansion House to mark the society’s anniversary and change of name from the Los Angeles Society.

Home Again’s director of care John Molloy said the new name best reflected the changing face of care in Ireland.

“We always strive to help the boys who live with us to do well, not just in our home but also in their schools, communities and, hopefully, back in their families,” he said.

Each of the charity’s three houses in Dublin is home to six boys. All of them have their own bedrooms. Older boys are allowed to move into an apartment while they make their transition to independent living.

Recently, Home Again has welcomed two new boys, both of whom have spent time in high-support centres. One of them had lived rough for a long time and the other suffers from agoraphobia.

Both come from abusive backgrounds.

One of their younger boys has just returned home to his parents, something that was never envisaged when he came to live in one of the society’s homes two years ago.

Social workers have given the society a list of 15 potential young people to fill his place.

Home Again also managed to locate the mother of a young boy. They were parted when he came to Ireland from abroad and is soon to move back to his family home.

Another boy recently met his mother in Britain. It was the first time he met her since he entered care.

Mr Molloy said the visit took a lot of patience and organisation, but if something good came from it then the effort would have been worthwhile.

While the boys can stay in the homes until they are 18, every effort is made so that they can go back to their family home as soon as possible.

Mr Molloy said they concentrated on building up children’s self-esteem and getting them a good education.

“Some of the children are from families where the father never worked. They have no expectation of doing well in school and getting a job,” he said.

Last year the charity spent E3,000 on tuition that allowed one boy to re-enter mainstream schooling. His achievement has now set him up as a role model for others to follow.