Children are often referred to as the hidden victims of domestic violence.
Research shows that children both witness and experience domestic violence and thus are impacted directly and indirectly by this crime. At Saoirse we recognise children as clients of our service in their own right. Qualified Childcare workers help children to settle in refuge and make sense of their experience. Our Childcare services provide a safe non-judgemental play space in both refuges where children have a voice. We also work with mothers in refuge to support them around their children and their parenting needs.
Our services include:
- Dedicated Playroom spaces & break out homework spaces
- Group and Individual Work
- Non-directive play in a fun environment, allowing children to be children
- Parental Support both for mothers in refuge and the community
- Parenting Programmes
- Self- esteem programmes for children
- Referrals to creative and play therapies
- Prevention work including our Healthy Relationships School Talk
All our services work according to ‘Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children’ published by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. This document helps us to support the protection and welfare of children in Irish Society, including our responsibility to report any concerns to Tusla, in conjunction with the client parent, where possible.
https://www.tusla.ie/uploads/content/Children_First_National_Guidance_2017.pdf
