A new Family Resource Centre is to be established in Mountmellick, it has been confirmed.
Laois TD and Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan confirmed today that the centre is to be established in Mountmellick Development Association.
“I am delighted to announce that a new Family Resource Centre is to be established in Mountmellick Development Association.
“This is excellent news and will provide the staff of the MDA and the Mountmellick Youth Development Centre with the resources to sustain and develop the existing range of services currently being provided.
“The primary purpose of a Family Resource Centre is to combat disadvantage and improve the working of the family unit. They offer core services including support to people facing unemployment, addiction and bereavement.
“I wish to commend and pay tribute to the board members and staff of the MDA and MYDC who work tirelessly, on tight budgets, to create a safe environment for young people and deliver services to disadvantaged families in the area,” Minister Flanagan said.
“The primary purpose of a Family Resource Centre is to combat disadvantage and improve the working of the family unit. They offer core services including support to people facing unemployment, addiction and bereavement,” he said.
The number of Family Resource Centres in Ireland will increase from 109 to 120, with the addition of 11 new centres this year.
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone, and Tusla’s Chief Operations Officer, Jim Gibson, announced the locations of 11 new centres during a visit to the Hill Street Family Resource Centre in Dublin on Monday.
Jim Gibson said “We’re delighted to announce the 11 new Family Resource Centres today. The expansion of our Family Resource Centre Programme will see 11 more communities supported through a range of community services including family support work, counselling, education and training courses, and youth groups.
Need
“Family Resource Centres are rooted in and part of local communities and as a result they can identify need in families and communities early and offer appropriate interventions and supports. Tusla’s Family Resource Centre Programme is an important part of our work to prioritise early intervention across our services,” he said.
The announcement is part of a range of initiatives announced for Family Resource Centres as part of Budget 2018. Tusla is investing a total of €16.37 million into the Family Resource Centre Programme in 2018, an increase of 21% compared to 2017.
SEE ALSO – Laois manager Sugrue calls on his team to become more clinical
