Fiona O'Loughlin
Question:195. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of family resource centres; and her plans to roll out more centres. [21593/18]
View answerWednesday, 16 May 2018
Questions (195)
Written answers
Family support is an important priority for me, and the increased level of funding for Family Resource Centres in 2018 reflects this.
Family Resource Centres are front-line services rooted in the communities they serve. Acting as a focal point within their communities, Family Resource Centres provide a holistic service of child, family and community support and advocacy to all children and families in their communities.
At the end of 2017, there were 109 Family Resource Centres in receipt of funding from Tusla. In 2018, Tusla was provided with additional funding of €1.76m to expand the programme with the inclusion of 11 additional centres, bringing the total number of Family Resource Centres to 120. The 11 new centres will be operational before the end of 2018.
Existing Family Resource Centres will also receive an increase of up to €10,000 in funding this year.
Funding for Family Resource Centres differs, depending on a range of factors, including:
- the size and population of the catchment area,
- the degree of economic disadvantage in the area, and
- the existing distribution of services in the area.
Decisions with regard to funding levels in 2019 will be taken in the context of the Estimates process. It is not possible at this stage to advise on what level of funding will be available to the Family Resource Centre Programme next year.
I am pleased to have been in a position to support the work of Family Resource Centres this year through the targeting of additional resources to services that will impact positively on vulnerable children and families.