Design: Lorena Zanoni
In August 2011, Kieran McKeown drafted the Strategic Framework for Family Support which can be downloaded by clicking here. This document is really important for anyone who wants to know about the policy orientation for the work of Family Resource Centres.
The Commission on the Family (1996-1998) gave its imprimatur to FRCs by declaring that it was ‘most impressed by the range of services provided by the centres’ and considered that the first 10 FRCs ‘represent(ed) extraordinary value for money for state investment’. The Commission on the Family characterised the approach of FRCs as ‘empowering of individuals, builds on family strengths, enhances self-esteem and engenders a sense of being able to influence events in one’s life’ It endorsed this approach as ‘a primary preventative strategy for all families facing the ordinary challenges of day-to-day living, and has a particular relevance in communities that are coping with a stressful environment’. The Commission recommended a ten-fold increase in FRCs from 10 to 100 ‘over the next 4 to 5 years’, and a doubling of the level of financial support to each project. In 2011, there were 107 FRCs throughout the country funded by the
Family Support Agency. If you want to know more you can now download the Brochure [+]
The programme aim is to combat poverty of families and parents.
Each year Blue Drum submits a detailed action plan which is negotiated with the Family Support Agency. We also work with other specialist support agencies: Women's Aid, Pavee Point, DESSA and Family Support Network. You can read about our Action Plan 2012 by clicking 2012[+]
The National Forum and associated Regional Forums around the country
are a platform to represent the views of all the Centres throughout Ireland. [+]
