Child guidelines must have legal force

FOCUS Ireland welcomes the recent publication of the report of the Children’s Ombudsman into the implementation of Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children.

As one of Ireland’s leading housing and homeless charities we work directly with vulnerable young people who are out-of-home or at risk.

As a result we share many of the concerns raised in the report. Focus Ireland strongly believes that the Children First guidelines should be placed on a statutory footing to ensure they have the maximum legal weight.

In addition, Focus Ireland strongly welcomes the recommendation in the ombudsman’s report for the provision of a 24-hour on-call “out of hours” child protection service.

The Government has a responsibility to find the resources necessary to roll out this service as a priority because it is a vital part of the range of supports required to protect young people at risk.

Our most vulnerable young people must be protected whether in times of plenty or times of austerity.

Joyce Loughnan

Chief Executive

Focus Ireland

High Street

Dublin 8