Children and families

 
 


In 2009 The Salvation Army commissioned research in partnership with University of Kent and Cardiff University and involving a series of clinical assessments of homeless adults using Salvation Army hostels and day centres. The 2009 Seeds of Exclusion report (and Seeds of Exclusion Ireland report) resulted in a series of recommendations and a 'call to action' for members and followers of The Salvation Army.

This year, The Salvation Army has produced Go and do something - focus on children and families as part of our continued effort to keeping vulnerable and troubled families at the top of its priorities.

Background to social exclusion

A generation of young people may be binge drinking their lives away, oblivious to the dangers of social exclusion and homelessness that could result from their excessive behaviour. Some young drinkers are falling into a cycle of severe alcohol dependency without realising the long-term harm they are doing to themselves, their families and to those around them.

The 2009 report was triggered by initial research in 2008 that revealed a lack of positive and supportive relationships with family or friends amongst respondents who are homeless and socially excluded. The research ran assessments of 967 homeless adults using Salvation Army hostels and day centres around the UK and Ireland. It reveals particularly alarming results for 18-25 year-olds than for any other age group.

Strategy for children and familes

  • Work towards every corps having a dedicated person or team involved with vulnerable families.
  • Continue to provide a place of safety, sanctuary and service to reflect, remember, renew and rebuild healthy relationships. Children and families will be assured that The Salvation Army can be trusted to be interested and involved in their lives.
  • Facilitate safe environments where families are valued and listened to, and expected and empowered to contribute in some way to their own and their local community development.
  • Provide a voice on behalf of families. Themes of stories heard are taken to local and national government to support the development of appropriate policies.
  • Develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of the lives of vulnerable children and families in the local community, leading to befriending and support programmes in all corps and centres.
  • Support cohesive and team efforts together with good interdepartmental communication, since the work with vulnerable children and families is a shared concern for the whole organisation.