Social workers are too busy to give homeless children in their districts the attention and care they need and are not trusted by most of them, Father Peter McVerry SJ has told the Minister for Health and Children.
Father McVerry recently played a central role in highlighting the case of a 16-year-old victim of rape and torture who had been homeless for months.
"Many social workers are not trained or comfortable in dealing with difficult adolescent teenagers," he told Mr Martin in a letter. Training in child protection does not help them "when dealing with a streetwise 16-year-old."
Social workers are overworked and naturally have to give priority to very young children and sexually abused children, he writes. "Many homeless children do not like going to social workers and do not trust social workers," he adds.
"I know that there are some wonderful social workers who have a great relationship with, interest in and concern for the homeless children in their care.
"But the community care structure through which homeless children must access services is generally not geared to their needs, is too busy to give them the attention and care they need and does not have the trust of most homeless young people."
Father McVerry said the Forum on Youth Homelessness had recommended that an independent statutory body be set up to deliver services to homeless young people. This authority could be accountable to the Eastern Regional Health Authority for its funding.
The ERHA and three area health boards replaced the Eastern Health Board earlier this year. The Minister has insisted that the ERHA is the "independent body" recommended by the Forum.
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