Treoir is looking forward to celebrating its 40^th anniversary tomorrow 7^th of December at the Mansion House on Dawson Street, Dublin 2.

In 1976 Treoir was founded as the Federation of Services for Unmarried Parents and their Children. As Treoir celebrates its 40^th anniversary, the vision and foresight of the early pioneers deserve recognition for the significant progress that has been achieved since its establishment including:

• Over the years the number of enquiries to the National Specialist Information Service increased dramatically. Parents, extended family members and professionals were the main users of the service
• The nature of enquiries to the National Specialist Information Service has changed over time
• Developments in technology changed the way in which Treoir services were delivered and the Treoir website is extensively used
• Conferences and workshops were held over the years to address issues concerning unmarried parents and their children
• Research projects were undertaken which explored the reality of lives of unmarried parents and helped to inform policy
• Legislation impacting on unmarried parents and their children developed significantly over the period
• The adoption process has undergone radical change
• Treoir developed a set of principles in relation to children and their right to identity
• The additional needs of young parents are being recognised and the Teen Parents Support Programme was established to meet their needs

Nowadays, unmarried families still face discrimination in our laws and procedures. The increasing prevalence of births outside of marriage, greater tolerance for social change and the increased complexity of modern family types make Treoir’s mission more relevant than ever.

As Treoir celebrates and enters its fifth decade it will continue to represent the best interest of unmarried families in Ireland and work towards equality for unmarried parents and their children.

Click here to read ” Treoir – Towards Equality for Unmarried Parents and Their Children 1976- 2016” a history of the first 40 years of Treoir The Federation of Services for Unmarried Parents and Their Children.