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Press release

Minister Foley welcomes the opening of the application process associated with the expansion of the Family Resource Centre Programme

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley today (1 May 2025) welcomed the announcement by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency of the opening of the application process associated with the expansion of the Family Resource Centre Programme.

Family Resource Centres acting as a national network have been active in Ireland for over 20 years and have a significant impact locally, regionally and nationally. FRCs impact on the lives of children, families, individual adults including older people and whole communities because of their human rights-based approach to community development across the life-course. Their progressive approach means they provide empowering, non-stigmatising supports for all the community but also more targeted supports to those who need it most.

In 2023, 129,305 people participated in FRC community-based initiatives, while 15,578 people availed of group-based supports. Working in partnership with Tusla, FRCs operate a prevention and early intervention approach, offering support to all children and families in the community. In 2023 FRCs delivered 52,481 parenting/family support sessions, 70,960 counselling and therapeutic support sessions, while 51,154 children and young people benefited from pre and after school activities

Funding was secured as part of Budget 2025 to allow membership of the Family Resource Centre Programme to increase from 121 to 126 nationally, in line with the Programme for Government commitment.

Applications to join the Family Resource Centre Programme will be managed by Tusla. Groups/organisations interested in applying will be required to complete an application form, and to comply with the criteria for membership of the Programme.

Interested groups/organisations will have four weeks to complete the application process. Tusla will arrange to supply a dedicated application form to any group/organisation expressing an interest.

Minister Foley said:

"The Programme for Government commits to increasing funding and expanding the capacity and network of Family Resource Centres. In this context, I am very much aware of the valuable work that Family Resource Centres do in our communities, including engaging with vulnerable families, offering services to individuals across the whole life cycle from early years to senior citizens, and fostering a positive and inclusive community spirit. I am delighted that Tusla is commencing the search for new FRC Programme members, and that in the coming months we will have an additional five Programme members in place."

Notes

  • the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme is a community development initiative that is supported by multiple State agencies and government departments in a partnership approach. FRCs may draw on various sources of funding provided by government departments, agencies and private sources
  • with 121 centres nationwide, FRCs are usually located in disadvantaged areas and serve as vital hubs for a wide range of community activities, catering to all age groups from early childhood to senior citizens
  • FRCs provides a range of universal and targeted services and development opportunities that address the needs of families. These can include but are not limited to:
    • the provision of information, advice and support to target groups and families e.g. information concerning the range of services and development options available locally, and advice on accessing rights and entitlements. FRCs act as a focal point for onward referrals to mainstream service providers
    • delivering education courses and training opportunities
    • the establishment and maintenance of new community groups to meet local needs and the delivery of services at local level (for example: childcare facilities, after-school clubs, men’s groups)
    • the provision of counselling and support to individuals and groups (Prevention and Early Intervention measures such as counselling, psychotherapy and therapeutic supports can improve the quality of children’s home lives and family relationships, increase educational attainment and support good mental health)
    • developing capacity and leadership within communities
    • supporting personal and group development
    • practical assistance to individuals and community groups, such as access to information technology and office facilities
    • practical assistance to existing community groups, such as providing help with organisational structures, assistance with accessing funding or advice on how to address specific social issues
    • supporting networking within the community
    • contributing to Policy work
    • practical supports to Ukrainian recipients of Temporary Protection, and International Protection Applicants. This includes support with school enrolment and medical care, integration and accommodation needs, and language and other direct supports