Deirdre Roche

Tusla - Child and Family Agency

On the 1st of January 2014 the Child and Family agency became an independent legal entity, comprising HSE Children & Family Services, Family Support Agency and the National Educational Welfare Board as well as incorporating some psychological services and a range of services responding to domestic, sexual and gender based violence. The Child and Family Agency is now the dedicated State agency responsible for improving wellbeing and outcomes for children. It represents the most comprehensive reform of child protection, early intervention and family support services ever undertaken in Ireland. It is an ambitious move which brings together some 4,000 staff and an operational budget of approximately €600m. The Agency operates under the Child and Family Agency Act 2013, a progressive piece of legislation with children at its heart, and families viewed as the foundation of a strong healthy community where children can flourish. Partnership and co-operation in the delivery of seamless services to children and families are also central to the Act. The establishment represents an opportunity to think differently, where appropriate to behave differently and to seek a wide range of views regarding the most effective way of working together to deliver a wide range of services for children and families. An approach which is responsive, inclusive and outward looking. Our Services The Child and Family Agency's services include a range of universal and targeted services: 1. Child protection and welfare services 2. Educational Welfare Services 3. Psychological Services 4. Alternative care 5. Family and Locally-based Community Supports 6. Early Years Services 7. Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Services