Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2017
654. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her expansion plans for the family resource centre network; and the counties in which she plans to establish new family resource centres. [54068/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am placing a strong emphasis on family support services next year, and the development of capacity within the Family Resource Centre Programme.
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency currently allocates funding to 109 Family Resource Centres. This funding provides a contribution towards the running costs of centres.
In 2018, I am providing Tusla with additional funding of almost €3.0m for the Family Resource Centre Programme. This will allow for at least 11 new centres to be included in the Programme and also provides for increases in funding to existing centres next year.
I am doing this in recognition of the importance of early intervention and prevention in assisting vulnerable children and families in our local communities.
Tusla has put an application process in place for organisations seeking to join the Family Resource Centre programme. The closing date for applications is 20 December 2017. The application form is available on the Tusla website www.tusla.ie .
Decisions by Tusla in relation to the funding of individual centres will have regard to the location, size and catchment area of each centre. The process will be equitable and transparent. All decisions will be made to ensure that available resources are applied to improving outcomes for children and families nationally in the most efficient, effective, equitable, proportionate and sustainable way. Tusla will also consider Area Commissioning Plans, Children and Young People's Service Committee plans, and other available evidence, to ensure that the allocated funding targets those children and families that are most in need.
Tusla intends to announce the results of the process by the end of Quarter 1, 2018.
In conclusion, I would like to acknowledge the valuable work of Family Resource Centres. I am pleased that I have secured additional resources to support them in their work with vulnerable children and families in our local communities.
