Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2016
516. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the measures which have been taken to provide services to needy children and families, especially those who, due to their undocumented status, are not eligible for a range of other State supports (details supplied); and the level of intercultural training which has been provided for all Tusla staff. [33576/16]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy has been requested from the Child and Family Agency. I will respond directly to the Deputy when the information is received.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to Parliamentary Question No 516, tabled by you for answer on 8 November, 2016. In relation to measures which have been taken to provide services to needy children and families and those who due to their undocumented status are not eligible for a range of other State supports.
Children and families who require additional support or are identified as vulnerable, can avail of main stream services provided by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency and these include:
- Child protection and welfare services
- Prevention, Partnership and Family Support services
- Meitheal - National Practice Model for Prevention and Early Intervention
- Educational Welfare Services
- Domestic, Sexual and Gender based Violence Services
Tusla works in partnership with local authorities, the Health Service Executive and schools to ensure an integrated response to children and families.
Tusla’s Family Resource Centre Programme is Ireland’s largest family support programme delivering universal and targeted community-based family support services and developmental opportunities within disadvantaged communities across the country based on a life-cycle approach. Family Resource Centres (FRCs) are rooted in the community and work with children, parents and communities to combat disadvantage and improve the functioning of the family unit.
The primary role of the Family and Community Services Resource Centre Programme has been, and will continue to be, prevention and early intervention. Because of this role, the programme is perceived as non-stigmatising, offering an ‘open-door’ to all families in their community.
In relation to inter-cultural training a new training programme ‘Diversity In Modern Ireland’ has been developed by Tusla’s Workforce, Learning and Development Unit in 2016. There was in the first half of 2016 an initial pilot of the new training programme ‘Diversity in Modern Ireland’ and the second pilot will take place on the 7th of December in Dublin.
A Train the Trainer programme for the ‘Diversity in Modem Ireland’ Programme will be delivered in January 2017 and national roll out and main-streaming will commence shortly thereafter. The number of courses provided will depend on demand for this training and delivery of this training will be a priority for 2017. In the interim, some of the Tusla regions have commissioned diversity training in 2016.
In addition to Tusla’s own ‘inhouse’ programme, Tusla has worked with some external organisations which deliver bespoke training/awareness raising and Tusla has forged relationships with these groups e.g. New Communities Partnership. Staff members are directed to these organisations for assistance when required. I trust that this information is of assistance.
