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Family Resource Centres

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2020

Thursday, 5 March 2020

Questions (1080)

Michael McGrath

Question:

1080. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the upgrade of a family support centre (details supplied) to the designation of family resource centre will be supported; the process involved in securing this designation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2563/20]

View answer

Written answers

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, is responsible for the administration of the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme. Tusla has no current plans to expand the FRC Programme in 2020.

Should a new FRC application process be established, Tusla's local Area Managers will be made aware of the process.  Expressions of interest will be sought from community organisations. Tusla's criteria for such a process involves Local Area Commissioning planning in order to identify service delivery requirements based on population demographics, presenting and projected needs. Service inadequacies and gaps in service provision are also identified through Tusla’s Commissioning process.

There are nine Family Resource Centres in County Cork. Family Resource Centres closest to the Carrigaline area include centres based in Carrigtwohill, Ballincollig, Midleton and Cobh.

Tusla will continue to work with community organisations to meet the needs of vulnerable children, families and communities. Tusla is committed to using all available resources for children and families in the most efficient, equitable, proportionate and sustainable way.

During 2019 Tusla National Commissioning Office received a number of requests from community based agencies to become members of the Family Resource Centre Programme. Tusla did not expand the number of Family Resource Centres during 2019 because funding was not provided for that purpose.

An increase of €1.5 million was allocated to the Family Resource Centre Programme in 2019 to support and develop the existing network of centres. The existing FRCs were allocated a 5% increase and an additional 17 FRC based Family Support Workers were recruited; one additional worker for each Tusla Local Service Area. Tusla is currently not in a position to expand the numbers of Family Resource Centres in 2020.

The Family Resource Centres nearest to Carrigaline are located in Carrigtwohill, Ballincollig, Middleton and Cobh. Tusla will continue to work with community based family support organizations to best meet the needs of vulnerable children, families and communities.  

 Tusla is committed to using all available resources for children and families in the most efficient, equitable, proportionate and sustainable way. The Tusla Area Commissioning Plan will be a key factor underpinning the decision making process. The point of contact for the Cork Area Commissioning Plan is the Tusla Local Area Manager in Cork and contact details are set out below.

 Mr Barry Murray, Child and Family Agency,

 Ground Floor, Áras Sláinte,

 Wilton Road, Cork.

 Tel 021-4923503 barry.murray@tusla.ie

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