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Free Childcare for Homeless Children
Minister Zappone announcing free childcare for children aged 0-5 whose parents are homeless
Children aged 0-5 years whose parents are homeless are to be offered free childcare for 25-hours a week under a change to the Community Childcare Subvention scheme announced by Childrens Minister Katherine Zappone.
Families registered as homeless in the Dublin region are to benefit from next month with funding of €8.25m being made available – other areas are also expected to follow.
85% of children listed as homeless are in the Dublin area.
Making the announcement Minister Zappone said:
This is an important initiative targeting a particularly vulnerable group of children who need additional supports given their situation.
The provision of up to 25 hours of free childcare a week to include a daily meal will lift a huge burden from families. The scheme is also designed to help those transitioning from homelessness to permanent accommodation.
Focus Ireland will work closely with my Department to identify eligible families. The Dublin-based City and County Childcare Committees will encourage and support relevant childcare providers to engage with the scheme.
The scheme is being available within Dublin initially as 85% (2,110) of homeless children across the State are within Dublin. We will work to extend the scheme to other areas outside of Dublin.
The scheme will start next month and I have asked officials to start identifying families who qualify and inform them of this new entitlement.