Barnardos faces record backlog of families seeking help

The charity supports families affected by poverty, trauma, abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, bereavement, and other challenges. Stock picture

Barnardos is facing a record waiting list of more than 3,000 families seeking support, according to the children's charity's latest annual report.

The report shows Barnardos worked with more than 34,000 children, parents, and adults in 2025, while its waiting list rose to a record 3,021 families, a 31% increase on the previous year.

The charity supports families affected by poverty, trauma, abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, bereavement, and other challenges.

It delivered almost 73,000 trauma-informed sessions to children and parents in family homes, Barnardos centres, schools, emergency accommodation, and international protection settings.

Research commissioned by Barnardos found that families receiving its intensive support services were often facing significant vulnerabilities at the point they first engaged with the charity.

The study warned that inequalities emerging in early childhood can "cast a long shadow into later life, increasing the risk of poorer health, psychological, educational, economic, and social outcomes in adulthood.

Barnardos interim chief executive Philip Watt said: "We know the waiting lists would actually be higher because we have had to close lists in some areas. 

"We also know with timely intensive and targeted support we can make a huge difference and reduce risk for these children.

"Without timely, intensive child and family support, difficulties at home can deepen, affecting children’s emotional wellbeing, behaviour, engagement with school, and ability to form positive relationships. 

"At a time of growing public concern about the behaviour and social disconnection of some young people, Barnardos outcomes demonstrate the value of intervening early. 

"Effective family support can strengthen relationships, improve children’s wellbeing and help prevent difficulties from escalating towards family breakdown, referral to Tusla or entry into State care."

The charity said that Budget 2027 "must lift more children out of poverty and deprivation and provide them with a better opportunity to have a stable, predictable and nurturing family life". 

Barnardos is seeking additional funding of €1.4m to sustain its services at the current level and wants more money to go to Tusla, the child and family agency.

• Paul Hosford is Irish Examiner Deputy Political Editor