Reality of Life for Children and Families Struggling with Recession

Abstract

Barnardos services across Ireland are seeing daily the impact of the recession on children and families, many of whom are struggling to cope against a backdrop of reduced household income and widespread cuts to public services. Many of these families were already struggling before the recession and the current national economic climate is exacerbating what was already a dire situation for many children. The accumulative affect of closures and cutbacks has resulted in an increase in demand for many public services along with an application of a higher threshold for assessment of need which correspondingly impacts negatively on all aspects of family life.