Thousands impacted by adversity and childhood trauma

A new report published yesterday, Wednesday, reflects the reality for vulnerable children living in Ireland.

Barnardos’ 2023 annual report revealed a 25% increase in the numbers supported, and a waiting list of more than 2,000. The charity is also setting out its priority asks for the new government .

Barnardos worked with 26,009 children and adults impacted by adversity and childhood trauma in 2023.The organisation provides trauma informed evidence-based services for children, parents, carers and individuals in their homes, schools or in one of Barnardos' 56 service locations across Ireland.

The children’s charity reported 2,011 individuals as waiting for services. More than half of those on the list are waiting for longer than three months, and 600+ waiting for longer than six months.

As a charitable organisation, Barnardos is dependent on fundraising efforts and State funding to deliver its services. Barnardos recorded an overall deficit of €0.7m in 2023, due to the increased demand for the charity’s services and needs to raise €10 million this year through the support of the public to meet the growing demand.

Ahead of the general election, Barnardos is calling on all parties to commit to significantly increase funding for intensive family support services to reduce the harm and trauma to children exposed to these issues. This would enable the charity, it said, to reach more vulnerable and disadvantaged children and parents and better meet the level of need for support across the country.

Barnardos CEO Suzanne Connolly said: “At Barnardos, we see firsthand the impact that trauma can have on children and the impact early intervention can have on their life – because childhood lasts a lifetime. Children are at the centre of everything we do. We start by meeting each family, and we ask the children and parents what they would like to change - and we help them achieve that.

“More families need our help – our waiting lists are evidence of that. More and more families are also impacted by the housing and cost of living crises – we are doing everything in our power to support them through this also.”

Increasing access to support and addressing family difficulties would help reduce stresses on parents, improve family relationships, prevent their problems escalating and ultimately place vulnerable children in a better position to flourish and thrive in the future.

She added: “We are very proud of our frontline staff for supporting more families than ever before, however we do not feel our job is done while so many children and their parents wait for support.

“The next government must increase funding to match increasing levels of need and guarantee children and families can get access to the supports they need.”

Barnardos supports children and families impacted by adverse childhood experiences such as:

Parental separation and conflict

Emotional and behavioural issues

Unsuitable housing

Parental mental health

Bereavement

Poverty and enforced deprivation

Addiction

Domestic violence and abuse

Delay in receiving vital services