Money worries top Kildare parents' concerns - survey
The survey was commissioned by the Kildare West Wicklow Parenting Forum and the County Kildare Children & Young People's Services Committee.
It was conducted during March and April of 2017, through social media, websites, and relevant networks. It was supported by the Child and Family Agency Tusla, and Atlantic Philanthropics.
The survey's primary aim was to provide parents with an opportunity to influence services and supports for them.
In all, 328 parents took part, of whom 290 completed the survey online. Almost nine in ten (87pc) were women, and 277 of the total were Irish, including one member of the travelling community.
The families concerned included 507 children, almost equally divided by gender. A fifth of the respondents represented lone parent families.
Around a third of respondents were living in the Newbridge area, the balance in 13 other communities, with significant numbers from Naas, Kilcullen and Athy.
Other common concerns included children accessing negative social media, keeping them safe from harm, ability to access schools of choice, having time with children, and their health and well-being.
Respondents also reported 'very serious problems' in accessing psychological and occupational therapy services, general hospital services, and leisure facilities.
A final report on the survey can be sourced by emailing emma.berney@tusla.ie. A pdf version can be downloaded here.
The report recommends that the information should highlight service access needs of parents, show the negative effects of the current situation for parents and their children, and influence resources decision-making. It should also show those in greatest need. The report also says the most positive outcome of the exercise was the nature and extent of engagement by parents.
The Diary will be providing more detail on different elements of the report over coming days.
