Small Kildare charity making national impact for young people leaving care
Breaking Through in Leixlip, Co Kildare manages and coordinates the Irish Aftercare Network (IAN)
A small charity based in Leixlip, Co. Kildare is continuing to make a significant impact on the lives of young people leaving care across Ireland.
While many people may not realise it, the Irish Aftercare Network, which influences aftercare policy and practice across Ireland, is coordinated from Leixlip.
The Irish Aftercare Network (IAN), managed and coordinated by Kildare based charity Breaking Through in Leixlip, recently hosted its 11th Annual Conference in Athlone, bringing together more than 150 professionals from across the country to discuss how services can better support young people transitioning from care into independent adulthood.
The event was expertly hosted by former RTÉ newsreader and broadcaster Eileen Dunne, who guided delegates through a programme of expert speakers from Government, children's services, advocacy organisations and lived experience backgrounds.
Among those addressing the conference was An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD, who in a prerecorded address said: “Leaving care can be a challenging chapter in a person's life. These remarkable young people need the right supports across housing, education, health, financial
security and personal development so that they can build a strong foundation for happy and fulfilling lives.”
The conference also heard from Dr Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children, who highlighted the importance of continued support for care-experienced young people, stating: “Turning 18 shouldn't feel like the end of the road for children in care when it comes
to continued access to supports and services.”
Despite having a small team of five, the Leixlip-based charity coordinates a national
network of approximately 700 members representing more than 100 organisations
supporting young people leaving care.
There are approximately 6000 young people in care in Ireland and each year approximately 500 leave care.
The conference provided an opportunity for professionals to reflect on how services can continue to respond to the changing needs of young people and ensure they are supported to build independent futures with confidence, hope and opportunity.