Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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561. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding family life in disadvantaged social groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18346/16]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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There is a clear and developing basis for the provision of family support services by the Child and Family Agency. The Agency, established in 2014 pursuant to the Child and Family Agency Act 2013, assumed responsibility for a range of functions including those of the Family Support Agency. Consequently, the Child and Family Agency provides core funding for the operation of Family Resource Centres throughout the country. Also, the functions of the Child and Family Agency under the 2013 Act include supporting and encouraging the effective functioning of families and, in that context, providing preventative family support services aimed at promoting the welfare of children.

In April 2015, in line with a commitment in Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures – The national policy framework for children & young people 2014-2020, my Department published a ‘High-Level Policy Statement on Supporting Parents and Families’. The Statement provides the policy context for the discharge by the Child and Family Agency of its family support function. The Statement specifies that it is essential that parenting and family supports and services are designed to be fully inclusive and take full cognisance of evolving family forms.

The Child and Family Agency is currently involved in a major programme to develop and mainstream Prevention, Partnership and Family Support (PP&FS) over the period 2015-2018. This Programme, launched in April 2015, is a key component of the Agency’s National Service Delivery Framework. Since the launch of the Programme, the Agency has been working to progress eight main work streams identified. These comprise an area-based approach and the use of 'Meitheal': a National Practice Model for all agencies working with children, young people, and their families; participation; information; commissioning; public awareness; supporting parents; alternative care strategy and workforce learning and development.

More detailed information regarding the services provided by the Child and Family Agency in the areas of Family and Community Support can be found on their website (www.tusla.ie).