Alex's Answer

Hi there, you are very welcome to Ask Alex.  

Thank you for getting in touch. We understand how difficult it can be to talk about what is going on for you so well done for reaching out.  

Here in Ireland, you can move out of home with your parent’s permission from the age of 16, but it is important to think about this decision, and to make sure you have a safe and secure environment to move into if you do decide to leave. If you leave home before you are 18 without your parents’ consent, and you are considered homeless or at risk, and Túsla may be asked to intervene.  

Lots of young people can have problems at home that can make it hard to feel comfortable living there. Sometimes it is possible to improve the relationship you have with the people you live with by talking to them and making compromises.  

Sometimes taking a break from your living situation can also help. This might mean temporarily moving in with extended family or other trusted adults. However, it is important to think about the effect this may have on your relationships with your family and the impact this may have on how you feel about things too.   

If you feel unsafe at home, there are lots of agencies that can offer support. They can help you to find a safer environment to live in with the resources you need to continue with schooling and to maintain your health and wellbeing. Follow this link https://changingfutures.ie/contact if you feel that you are in an unsafe situation at home. You can also call the Gardaí on 999 or 112 if you ever feel unsafe at home or anywhere else.  

Remember, whatever is happening for you, Childline is here to listen. Childline services are free, confidential, non-judgemental and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can contact Childline by phone on 1800 66 66 66 or through our web chat on www.childline.ie.  

Thanks for contacting us. We hope your situation improves for you very soon. 

Take care of yourself,  

Alex