Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2021
395. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to a programme developed by an organisation (details supplied) in conjunction with the psychology department in Trinity College, Dublin; if he will endorse this indicative and support it financially through the portfolio of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34955/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was pleased to speak at the launch of the Parenting Plus Special Needs Programme late last year. Parenting programmes offer a valuable support for parents, helping them enhance their existing knowledge and skills to improve outcomes for their families. I welcome this evidenced-based programme from Parenting Plus that addresses the unique support requirements of parents caring for a child with an intellectual disability. My Department previously provided funding under the What Works programme to develop a Healthy Families Programme.
I am committed to supporting parents and as part of this commitment, my Department is leading on the development of a national model of parenting support services. The model will take account of the needs and preferences of parents in Ireland as well as the views of children. It will consider both universal and targeted provision, covering key stages of child development, taking account of parents and children in a range of contexts and parenting relationships. Our aim is to ensure that all parents can access the support they need when they need them.
Tusla funds a range of community and voluntary organisations which provide services to children and families, including those providing parenting supports, many of which offer Parents Plus programmes.
My Department recently launched the Learning Together Fund which, amongst other activities, provides funding for organisations to arrange or access learning and training sessions in evidence informed approaches to prevention and early intervention services for children, young people and their families.
