David Stanton
Ceist:130 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her proposals to encourage and support parenting courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13546/03]
Written Answers. - Family Support Services.
Strengthening families and the promotion of continuity and stability in family life, the welfare of children and support and affirmation for parents in carrying out their important child rearing responsibilities are core features of the Government's pro-families policy approach. The importance of accessible information about parenting issues and child development to strengthen the capacity of families in carrying out their essential functions of caring for children was highlighted by the Commission on the Family.
Under my Department's families research programme, a research project entitled "Effective Parenting – An Exploration of Need" was commissioned. The study involved 1000 parents and 200 children and provides a comprehensive report of parents' perspectives on their parenting role and the support available to them within their own family network, in their community and through family support services.
The report recommends that the Family Support Agency would have specific responsibility to provide appropriate general and targeted information on parenting issues. The agency, which has just been established, brings together a range of family and community supports and services which were developed by the Government over the past number of years. It will provide a comprehensive and coherent response for families in need of support services and for families and communities generally. It will be a dedicated agency and a resource for all those involved in the promotion of family and community well-being,
The Family Support Agency has been given the responsibility to promote and disseminate information about a range of issues affecting families. Key among these is the provision of information in relation to parenting. In carrying out its information function the agency is charged with co-operating with other public authorities in providing information to assist persons in balancing their work and family responsibilities. The agency will shortly be commencing preparation for its strategic plan, setting out its strategies for fulfilling the functions for which if has been given responsibility.