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Minister Browne reaffirms determination to tackle child and family homelessness and announces forthcoming action plan
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Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne, TD has reaffirmed his determination to tackle child and family homelessness through targeted measures aimed at accelerating exits from emergency accommodation and delivering secure, long-term housing solutions for families.
Minister Browne also confirmed that the Government will shortly publish a new Child and Family Homelessness Action Plan, developed following extensive engagement and consultation with stakeholders across the homelessness, housing and children's sectors.
At an address today to the End Child Poverty Week Conference organised by the Children’s Right Alliance, Minister Browne said:
"Child homelessness is an issue that I have prioritised since taking office. It is not acceptable to me, and it should never be normalised. Every child deserves the security, safety and stability of having their own front door and a place to call home.
To accelerate exits from emergency accommodation, I have contacted every chief executive of local authorities to ensure that all available measures are being utilised to provide housing solutions for families who have spent the longest periods in emergency accommodation. This includes the use of Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), as well as allocations from local authority and Approved Housing Body housing stock.
I have also ringfenced €150 million for acquisitions that will help households experiencing long-term homelessness move into secure, permanent homes."
Minister Browne confirmed that the Government will shortly publish a new Child and Family Homelessness Action Plan, developed following extensive engagement and consultation with stakeholders across the homelessness, housing and children's sectors.
The Action Plan will bring together key partners to strengthen efforts to:
- Prevent children and families from entering emergency accommodation;
- Provide enhanced supports for children experiencing homelessness;
- Accelerate exits from emergency accommodation; and
- Reduce the length of time children and families spend in homeless services.
"The forthcoming Child and Family Homelessness Action Plan will ensure a continued and coordinated focus across Government, local authorities and service providers. It will strengthen prevention measures, improve supports and help more families secure permanent homes as quickly as possible."
ENDS