Family reunification should mark a safe and hopeful new chapter for refugee families. In reality, many families arrive in Ireland facing housing insecurity, financial hardship and difficulty accessing basic services. Children who have already experienced displacement and separation are particularly vulnerable during this transition. Independent research commissioned and published by Nasc in 2020, Invisible People: The Integration Support Needs of Refugee Families Reunified in Ireland, highlighted the need for post-arrival orientation and integration supports for refugee families
New Beginnings is Nasc’s specialised, child-centred social work project supporting refugee families at critical transition points.
Who is this project for?
New Beginnings supports refugee families who are:
-
Arriving in Ireland through family reunification, or
-
Leaving direct provision without secure accommodation in place.
The project prioritises families experiencing acute vulnerability, including those at risk of homelessness, poverty, school disruption or significant safeguarding concerns. Due to high demand and limited capacity, waiting lists may apply. Referrals are assessed, and support is prioritised for families with the most urgent needs.
What support is provided?
Through focused social work intervention, the project supports families to:
-
Navigate documentation and income supports
-
Engage with housing services and prevent homelessness
-
Enrol children in school and access healthcare
-
Stabilise their circumstances during transition
Our approach is practical, structured and child-focused. We work alongside families to reduce instability and ensure children can access the essentials needed to thrive.
Why this matters
In the context of Ireland’s housing crisis and evolving family reunification policies, refugee families face increasing uncertainty. Without targeted support, administrative barriers can quickly escalate into long-term disadvantage for children.
New Beginnings is a targeted support service for refugee families at the point of family reunification or transition from direct provision.
Eligibility and Referrals
The project operates within defined geographic areas and can only support families living within our service region. Due to limited capacity, referrals are assessed individually and support is prioritised based on level of risk and vulnerability. Waiting lists may apply. In some cases, families may be signposted to other appropriate services where the project is not the best fit or is outside our catchment area.
Referrals can be made by contacting us directly at [email protected]. If you are a statutory agency, community organisation or support worker referring a family, please include relevant background information to assist with assessment.
Our aim is to ensure that limited resources are directed to families most in need of intensive support, particularly where children’s stability and wellbeing may be at risk.
