Madam, – I am writing in response to recent articles on the issue of young people in care to highlight my concern that as our politicians go on extended holidays the Child Care (Amendment) Bill has not yet gone before the Dáil. As someone who has come through the care system I believe the Government has to grasp the opportunity to secure a legal right to aftercare.
The Minister of State for Children Barry Andrews can make this happen by convincing his colleagues to support an amendment to the Bill which would secure a legal right to aftercare for all those who need it. I support Focus Ireland’s campaign on this matter and it is great to see the Opposition parties support the amendment put forward by Focus. There also needs to be more done for young people in care.
I know that without support, some young people coming out of State care at 18 struggle to cope. Some people end up becoming marginalised, homeless and develop addiction problems. Without support they can get trapped in this cycle. Sadly there have been some real tragedies. More needs to be done to support children in care and when they leave at 18.
I never went through any of this as I went from care into aftercare and I am now happily living in one of Focus Ireland’s aftercare developments. I have my own place, but I also have contact with staff and support if I need it.
I am 20 years old now, studying in college and I plan to go on to have a good career, a family of my own and a home of my own. It’s all ahead of me, as they say! However, I know that none of this would be possible and that I would not be where I am in life at the moment if I had been left to fend for myself when I had to leave State care.
This is why I think the State must provide aftercare for everyone who needs it. It is not only the right thing to do, but it also means someone like me can go on to fulfil their ambitions, stand on my own two feet and hopefully have a happy future. – Yours, etc,