Sir, - As polling day approaches and the promises of politicians multiply in these days of apparent plenty, we should remember the needs of one of our most disadvantaged minorities. Campaign rhetoric frequently refers to investment and growth. It is surely time to invest more in our children to allow them all to grow to their full potential. Wealth is valueless unless used to good effect. Investment in children is an investment in this country and in its future.
In the past few years we have made enormous strides in acknowledging some of the less palatable realities of what it means to be a child. I do not need to remind any one of the many horrific abuse cases of recent years. Despite the genuine concern of many people with real power, and the action that has been taken, the situation of children has deteriorated over the past 20 years. A recent publication by Barnardos, "If Not Now, When?", details the increase in the number of children in need compared with the 1970s. It also estimates the additional money required to make an adequate response to the most pressing needs - an additional one quarter of one penny of every £1 of tax revenue, 00.25 per cent. Could anyone grudge this small share for the most vulnerable and needy members of our society?
Here at the Children at Risk in Ireland Foundation, which provides therapy and support for children who have experienced sexual abuse, we are becoming increasingly concerned at the general preoccupation with the effects of child sexual abuse. We feel the good news should receive equal prominence: children can, and do, overcome these effects given the right help and support.
While the people who perpetrate these crimes must be caught and face justice, we should not forget that life goes on for the young people affected by their crimes. The confidentiality and protection necessary for the recovery of these children tend to hinder the spread of the positive - message. Individual cases cannot be exposed to the glare of the media. It is, however, possible to say that many children have been, and are being, helped. Children, while often vulnerable, are also very resilient. Given the opportunity, they can often regain their sense of self and personal power in a relatively short time.
Many people and organisations are working hard to prevent child abuse of all kinds and to neutralise its effects. They need proper funding to be able to tackle their task effectively. As the scramble starts anew for shares of the national pie I ask politicians and voters alike to save a larger piece, and hopefully the first piece, for the children. - Yours, etc.,
National Co-ordinator, The CARI Foundation,
Lower Drumcondra Road,
Dublin 9.