Reduced funding puts vulnerable children at risk
Vital services offered to children from disadvantaged backgrounds by the Salesians are under threat following a series of cuts in State funding which have forced the order to ask the public for financial help for the first time.
Since 1978, Don Bosco Care has operated seven houses across North Dublin offering a home to troubled teenagers and residential aftercare for young people leaving the care system.
“We offer residential care to young people who, for whatever reason, can’t live at home. They are often very traumatised and from very difficult backgrounds,” said Brian Hogan, CEO of Don Bosco Care.
“We work with about 100 young people at any one time. It is a 24 hour, 365 day service and has to have qualified people in place at all times, so it costs more than running a 9-5 operation.”
Since 2007, State funding to Don Bosco Care has been cut by €400,000, leaving a shortfall of €20,000-€30,000 per month.
“Funding is a massive challenge,” said Mr Hogan. “The service was fully funded by the State, but now it is about 90% funded and we are trying to make up the shortfall ourselves.
“Most people had never heard of us before because the Salesians did the work quietly, as that was their style. Many Salesians would prefer if we didn’t have to, but we need to talk to people about what we do and seek their support. We value the State’s contribution, but realistically we have to raise private funding as well.”