The Deirdre O’Shaughnessy Podcast: Homeless mothers fear losing newborns to social services

Rising homelessness is leaving new mothers terrified their newborns could be taken into State care after hospital discharge

Irish Examiner Reporter Alison O’Reilly joins Deirdre on today’s episode of the podcast.

Growing numbers of new mothers are living in fear that their babies will be taken from them by social services because they are homeless.

One woman who spoke to the Irish Examiner remains in hospital with her baby after a C-section, but is afraid that when she is discharged her child could be placed into care.

In a statement, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, said: “Our goal is always to keep children within their family units whenever possible. It is important to emphasise that managing any referral of concern involves an extensive process.

"This process can include several steps including screening, preliminary inquiries, initial assessments, and appropriate onward actions. Actions may then lead to family support services, safety planning processes, or, as a last resort, taking the child into State care, either voluntarily or through a court order.” 

In September, 16,614 people were living in emergency accommodation, almost a third of them children. Over 3,000 women are now homeless, the highest number ever. 

The Government recently launched a new housing plan, promising 300,000 new homes by the end of 2030.

Irish Examiner reporter Alison O’Reilly joins The Deirdre O’Shaughnessy Podcast on today’s episode to discuss the issue.