Crosscare has submitted a series of recommendations to the government as it prepares the successor to the Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025. Drawing on the experience of working with thousands of people facing complex social challenges, the organisation outlined eight key areas requiring urgent attention.
Operating across Dublin and Wicklow and supporting national initiatives, Crosscare’s services include homelessness prevention, youth work, addiction support, food poverty services, and migrant advocacy.
Key recommendations include:
Stronger Investment in Homelessness Prevention
Crosscare urged the government to prioritise homelessness prevention to reduce the number of people entering emergency accommodation. It highlighted the importance of collaborative planning, building sufficient housing, and improving mental health services for people experiencing homelessness. The organisation also called for the full implementation of Ireland’s Youth Homelessness Strategy and specific measures to support homeless families.
Improved Support for International Protection Applicants
Noting its long history of working with migrants, Crosscare called on the government to ensure the basic needs of international protection applicants are met, including access to safe shelter. It emphasised the need for coordinated policy between departments and adequate legal support for applicants.
Ending Child and Youth Homelessness
Alarmed by rising figures of child and youth homelessness, Crosscare joined other organisations in calling for stronger oversight and action to meet Ireland’s Lisbon Declaration commitment to end child homelessness by 2030. The organisation also advocated for a follow-up to the Youth Homelessness Strategy, which will conclude in 2025.
Action on Drug Use
Welcoming the recent recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use, Crosscare called for reforms to drug laws, better-resourced services, and increased investment in prevention and education initiatives. The organisation also noted the need for a clear opportunity to contribute to the development of a new National Drug Strategy.
Reforming the Education System
Crosscare identified gaps in the current education system through its work with young people, particularly for those facing social and personal challenges. It welcomed plans for a national education convention and called for young people and the youth sector to have a meaningful role in shaping future policies.
Increased Investment in Youth Mental Health Services
Recognising growing mental health challenges among young people, Crosscare called for greater investment in dedicated youth mental health services. It highlighted initiatives such as the ‘Youth Information Online Chat Service’ and urged funding for research into the effects of social media and phone use on young people.
Addressing the Care System Crisis
Crosscare called for an independent review of Ireland’s care system, including foster care, aftercare, and residential services. It stressed the importance of restoring fair pay conditions for voluntary care providers and ensuring Tusla and other agencies are adequately funded and resourced.
Welfare Reforms and Accessible Services
Crosscare called for welfare payments to be adjusted in line with inflation and for state services to be made more accessible. Crosscare stressed the importance of plain language, simpler application processes, and in-person support for people struggling to navigate online systems.
