In light of the good work already done by the hub and Carlow County Council, further capital funding may be available through the Capital Assistance Scheme administered through local authorities on behalf of the Department of Housing.
In addition, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, administers the Family Resource Centre Programme which provides funding support to 121 Family Resource Centres across the country. In 2022, additional funding of €6.0 million was allocated to enable Tusla increase supports to the wider Community and Voluntary sector.
The commissioning of Family Resource Centres is an operational matter for Tusla. Tusla’s Area Managers engage in the commissioning process and participate in meetings and discussions with community and voluntary agencies. Tusla aims to utilise the total resources available in the most efficient, equitable, proportionate and sustainable way in order to improve outcomes for children, young people, and families.
Local Tusla Area Managers and the Tusla Commissioning Team can be contacted in relation to Family Resource Centres' planned service delivery and potential to develop services. Organisations that wish to join the Programme are advised to contact Tusla in the first instance, with regard to the potential next steps. I understand that currently, there are no plans to expand the FRC Programme or to establish new funding schemes for the Programme, however, it would be prudent to start discussions and express interest.
Tusla is currently redeveloping St Dympna's Hospital, Athy Road, Carlow, to expand the Agency's existing capacity and service levels in Carlow.
Tusla continues to work with community-based family support organisations, to best meet the needs of vulnerable children, families and communities.
