Treoir: The national federation of services for unmarried parents and their children

In 1976 various agencies working with unmarried parents formed a federation to channel efforts to improve the quality of the services provided to unmarried parents and their children. Members include self-help organisations, adoption societies, maternity hospitals, childcare organisations, HSE and accommodation services. In 1995 the Federation was renamed Treoir, which is the Irish word for direction or guidance. Today, Treoir continues to be a membership organisation that promotes the rights and best interests of unmarried parents and their children through:

• Providing specialist information
• Raising awareness on issues affecting unmarried parents
• Campaigning for change

Treoir is the National Specialist Information Service for unmarried parents and their children providing clear and up-to-date information free of charge to parents who are not married to each other and to those involved with them. Treoir is also a charity with CHY number 8877

Treoir: Principles

• Treoir recognises that there are many different types of families in Ireland including unmarried parents whether they are cohabiting or not.
• Treoir is committed to ensure that families not based on marriage, whether they are cohabiting or not, are recognised respected and protected.
• Treoir supports and promotes the rights of all children as listed in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
• Treoir believes that all children have a right to know both their parents, and to be loved and cared for by them.

Treoir is funded by: