Examining the Challenges Faced by Service Providers and Organisations Working with Children in the Direct Provision System in Ireland

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the challenges service providers encounter when supporting children in Direct Provision in Ireland. It focuses particularly on the organisations—both voluntary and statutory—that are charged with providing support for this vulnerable cohort. Specifically, the paper considers the roadblocks these organisations face helping children in Direct Provision. Reception centres and Direct Provision centres across the world have come under increased scrutiny relating to the mental wellbeing and treatment of those under their care with increasing recognition of the vulnerabilities of children in such spaces. This paper draws on data from seven semi-structured interviews from six organisations (two interviewees were from the same organisation). The key stakeholders interviewed include, a child advocacy agency; a family advocacy agency; a refugee advocacy agency; a child helpline; two refugee organisations; supporting those in Direct Provision, all of whom offer support to families in these centres. This paper highlights the obstacles the organisations face due to issues inside and outside Direct Provision centres. These include (i) an absence of trust (ii) language barriers (iii) lack of resources. Specific recommendations include expanded NGO (non-governmental organisation) collaboration, increased funding for these service providers and further research on the long-term mental health effects on children living in Direct Provision.

KEYWORDS:

• Mental health
• refugees
• Direct Provision

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Clare Maria Nee

Clare Maria Nee is a MSc graduate in Children and Youth Studies from UCD.

Declan Fahie

Declan Fahie, her supervisor, is a lecturer in Education and Director of School Placement on the Professional Masters in Education. He has published nationally and internationally on workplace bullying in schools, qualitative research methodologies, teacher effectiveness and queer issues in education.