Helping families before crisis hits

Families in need should be identified before it’s too late to help them, The current system is clearly not a successful model, says Peter McVerry

CHILDHOOD is a special time, full of joy and optimism. However, it’s also a vulnerable time and a difficult childhood, surrounded by poverty, drug addiction, and violence can dramatically affect the life chances of that child.

Many children grow up in the shadow of poverty and desperation, and society must be extra careful to ensure these vulnerable children receive the very basic levels of support necessary to have a safe, happy, and fulfilled childhood.