MAKING life better for children across the city will mean first helping their parents, a major new study has revealed.
Commissioned by the Limerick City Children’s Services, the report – ‘How Are Our Kids?’- is the result of interviews with 400 parents and 100 children, with emphasis on the regeneration areas.
The report looked at the needs of children and families to establish what types and levels of services and supports are needed for children.
Among the main findings were the need to address parents educational needs, improve parents’ emotional health and promote better adult relationships, to support parents in getting training and employment and to give ongoing support to encourage the kind of parenting which is best for children.
Improving the physical environment and addressing safety in neighbourhoods, is also key to delivering a better future for children, the report states.
Doctor Eileen Humphreys is lead author of the report, which was co-funded by Limerick Regeneration Agency and Atlantic Philanthropies.
She told the Limerick Post that the aim was to take on board the needs of children across the spectrum in the city.
Kevin O’Farrell, childcare manager with the HSE in Limerick, and chairperson of Limerick City Children’s Services Committee, said the report has now gone to the committee.
“All of the key decision makers sit down around that table, so it is time now to look at this report and see how we can best deliver on the solutions that are needed,” he told the Limerick Post.
Mr O’Farrell warned that changes will only be achieved “over time.”
