Direct provision should be abolished and residents — especially children — placed instead in community-based, family-friendly environments, a report concludes. Children should be living in environments that support them and encourage them, said the report Children In Direct Provision. “Living in direct provision leads to social exclusion which has a hugely negative impact on a child’s wellbeing that may have far-reaching effects on mental health into adulthood.”In 2018, 1,778 children were living in direct provision, many for prolonged periods. The report says paediatricians are very concerned about the welfare of children and young people living in direct provision. The report states children in direct provision are at higher risk of physical and mental health problems and are far more likely to be referred to the child and family agency Tusla than children not in direct provision.

Source: Irish Examiner December 11, 2019 00:00 UTC