What impact can living in a family hub as a form of emergency accommodation have on children; a primary research study, from a professional’s perspective

McCarthy, Roisin

What impact can living in a family hub as a form of emergency accommodation have on children; a primary research study, from a professional’s perspective

Files

RoisinMcCarthyCARLResearchreport2024.pdf(1.44 MB)

Published Version

Date

2024

Authors

McCarthy, Roisin

Publisher

Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork

Abstract

Child and family homelessness is a growing social issue in Ireland. The reality is that over four thousand children live in emergency accommodation, and this number continues to grow year on year. Family hubs were opened as a form of supported temporary accommodation to help address the needs of homeless families. This research was part of a Community-Academic Research Links (CARL) initiative, which was carried out in collaboration with Good Shepherd Cork. This organisation is a voluntary organisation that has provided accommodation and support to vulnerable women and children for 50 years. The collaborative research examined if living in a family hub impacts a child's day-today life and the support provided by staff to mitigate these effects. This was achieved by conducting six semi-structured interviews with staff working for Good Shepherd Cork’s family hub. The staff identified issues such as stigma, shame, loss, isolation and the lack of privacy as some of the problems experienced by the children. The staff expressed how they support children overcome the experience and discussed the child-centred and child-led approach they use when working with the children residing in the family hub. Recommendations were identified from the findings and analysis. There were both government and policy-level recommendations, as well as service level recommendations. The study concludes by stating that a home is a fundamental human need and can give a person both physical security and can contribute towards psychological well-being. More action is needed to meet the needs of homeless children in Ireland.

Keywords

Family hub , Child and family homelessness , Emergency accommodation , Good Shepherd Cork

Citation

McCarthy, R. (2024) What impact can living in a family hub as a form of emergency accommodation have on children; a primary research study, from a professional’s perspective. Cork: Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork.