Family Resource Centres receive additional funding

FAMILY Resource Centres around the country are receiving an additional €2 million in funding for small works and the upgrading of equipment.

The ‘one-off’ funding is being provided through Tusla – Child and Family Agency.

According to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone,  support for such centres will be a priority for the year ahead. 

Minister Zappone said: “In every part of the country I have seen at first hand the work of Family Resource Centres.

“These community hubs not only offer a chance to socialise they are also provide vital information and supports, often when a person is going through a time of crisis.

“This work deserves Government support,” she added. “Now I am delighted to join with Tusla to honour a commitment to immediately increase funding.

“The small grants now being announced are just the beginning. In the coming 12 months we will be delivering in total an extra €5m to Resource Centres.”

Fred McBride, Chief Executive of Tusla, said Family Resource Centres were a vital part of Tusla’s service delivery.

“Evidence demonstrates that local wrap-around support is the best way to create and sustain resilient children, families and communities,” she said.

“Family Resource Centres are rooted in and part of the local community, and as a result, they can identify need in families and communities early and offer or signpost appropriate interventions and supports.

“The increase in funding of Tusla’s Family Resource Centre Programme is an important part of our work to prioritise early intervention across our services.”

In addition to the €2 million being transferred this week, additional funding of up to €10,000 will be made available to each of the existing 109 Family Resource Centres for operational requirements.

A total of €1.76 million has also been allocated to establish 11 new Family Resource Centres in 2018. Another €16 million will be invested next year by Tusla into its Family Resource Centre Programme.