Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has today opened applications for new Family Resource Centres. This is an opportunity to increase the number of centres in Kildare which has a low proportion of centres compared to other Counties according to Kildare South TD Martin Heydon.
“I have been raising the need for new Family Resource Centres in Kildare with Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone for some time. We have 2 excellent family resource centres operating in Kildare at present in Newbridge and the Curragh. But when you consider that Counties such as Donegal and Kerry with lower youth populations have 9 and 12 centres respectively, the shortage in Co. Kildare is evident.
“Locations such as Teach Dara in Kildare town are already providing the services of a family resource centre on a limited budget. I will fight for Teach Dara to receive Family Resource Centre status and for the case to be progressed for family resource centres in towns like Athy, Castledermot and Rathangan.
“In a recent response to a parliamentary question, Minister Zappone said she recognised that County Kildare has experienced a significant increase in its population base, and that there is a strong demand for services in the area. She also confirmed that the needs of County Kildare will be considered as decisions are made with regard to allocation of the additional resources provided.
“I welcomed the allocation of €5m from the Department of Children in the Budget to Tusla in respect of Family Resource Centres, both new and existing. Of this funding, €1.76m has been allocated for the development of 11 new Family Resource Centres. Today Tusla have published the application form and details of how to apply. The application process will be administrated by the Commissioning Unit of Tusla.
“Communities or groups who wish to apply to the programme can get an application form from www.tusla.ie or contact my office for further information. Closing date for receipt of applications is 20th December 2017.