"He was only three days old. I wanted to keep him. I had lived in hostels on and off since I was 14 years old. I wouldn't take him to a hostel, I felt we'd be better off living on the streets.
They sent me to a mother and baby unit. I was only supposed to stay there for three weeks but I didn't want to leave. It was lovely and clean and, in any case, where would I go?' I was frightened on my own, what if I couldn't cope. They encouraged me to stay and showed me how to look after Ross. I needed the support"
Caroline had been homeless practically all her life, sleeping on the streets, in hostels or any place she could find. The birth of her baby son gave Caroline the motivation to change her life. Happily Ross is now living with Caroline in Focus Ireland's long-term housing, where he has attended crèche and is now preparing for school.