Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 September 2013
164. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason for the decision to rename the Child and Family Support Agency to the Child and Family Agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38917/13]
View answerThe title of 'Child and Family Agency' in my view more accurately reflects the range and scope of services to be provided to children and families by the new organisation. The title should not be interpreted in any way as a dilution of the importance of support services for children and families as part of the remit of the new Agency.
When legally established the Child and Family Agency will take on responsibility for:
- Children and Family Services (including family support) currently provided by the HSE, which includes a broad range of child welfare and protection functions;
- Domestic and Sexual Violence services;
- Community Psychology Services for Children and Families;
- the work of the Family Support Agency; and
- the work of the National Educational Welfare Board.
The core services that will be delivered by the Agency therefore encompass far more than support services, and it is important and appropriate that the name be fully reflective of this wider remit.
By their nature the services outlined above aim to prevent and identify problems and provide support and assistance in managing issues that may require specialist intervention. The objective of having such services under one organisation is that by engaging with children and families with focused, comprehensive, early and multi-disciplinary responses to their needs, these families will be in a position to function independently and effectively.
It was therefore determined that the title most appropriate for the Agency is the 'Child and Family Agency'.
