Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 February 2019
211. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if funding is provided for organisations offering child and adolescent psychotherapy services in respect of gender and domestic violence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10052/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla, the Child and Family Agency, has statutory responsibility to support and promote the development, welfare and protection of children. In 2018, Tusla provided some €6m in funding to a range of organisations that provide child and adolescent counselling and psychotherapy services.
Children and young people who have been exposed to domestic violence may access specialist services either while residing in emergency domestic violence accommodation units or through community based domestic violence services. Those who have been assessed as needing psychotherapeutic intervention, may avail of Tusla funding on a case-by-case basis.
Tusla currently funds two specialist intervention programmes which are targeted at children and non-abusive parents who have been exposed to domestic violence; Domestic Abuse Recovering Together (DART) and TLC Kidz. These programmes are not classified as psychotherapeutic programmes.
In 2018, Tusla also provided funding for the delivery of ten courses, based on the DART or TLC Kidz models, throughout the country. Funding was also provided to plan for the future expansion of the aforementioned programmes for delivery in other locations throughout the country.
Tusla is commissioning a review of the current provision of therapeutic services for young people by Tusla - funded sexual violence organisations, or rape crisis centres. The review is due to be completed this year and will inform Tusla's future commissioning of therapeutic services for older children who are victims of sexual violence.
Tusla will continue to work closely with service providers to support children and young people at risk and the effective functioning of families.
