Family Resource Centre

Programme

You can download The Family Resource Centre Contacts and Addresses here

Family Support Agency

In May 2001 the Minister for Social, Community & Family Affairs announced the establishment of a new statutory body – The Family Support Agency. The initiative is a key step in the government’s Families First approach which is designed to put families at the centre of all it’s policies. The new agency will bring together the main programmes designed to help prevent marital breakdown support ongoing parenting relationships for children and promote local family support introduced by the government in recent years.

For further information on the Family Resource Centre Programme see www.fsa.ie

Framework’s involvement

Framework began to work as a Regional Support Agency to the Family Resource Centre Programme in 1999.

Framework provides support and training for the Voluntary Management Committees and Staff of Family Resource Centre through their many stages of development.

Consultation during annual review and planning procedures with each Project assists in the process of identifying which aspects of support a Project will use on a year to year basis. Framework is also willing to be responsive to unidentified needs which can often arise at any point during the year. The following information outlines what the organisation can offer and deliver in its Programme of Support to Projects:

1.1 Support in development of good practice and setting standards

The Support Agencies key role with the Projects is to promote good standards in community development work and project management. This role in setting standards and promoting good practice is built on the collective experience of how Projects have developed over the past 10 years.

1.2 Building on existing relationships with Projects

Framework believes that the building of good relationships with Projects based on respect, equality, trust and partnership is an essential part of community development work.

1.3 Support for start-ups

Start-up work with a new Project is intensive. It has seven identifiable steps to work through and it can sometimes take up to two years to get to the point where the first Project Co-ordinator can be recruited. When this step is completed the Project will still require in depth and consistent support for the first year.

1.4 Support for review, planning and development of Three Year Strategic plans

Part of Frameworks Programme of Support is to build in a process whereby the information gathered through the facilitation of self-evaluation procedures with each Project can be used to develop new Strategic Plans. This process is undertaken on an annual and tri-annual basis.

1.5 Provision of training on key areas of work:

Framework provides ongoing training on key areas of work to Projects. This training is often cyclical by nature as new members of management or staff are recruited. It can be delivered on both an individual or inter-project basis. The content is usually worked out with the Management Committee and staff at the time. Ongoing areas of training relate to:

• Board procedures
• Ltd Company issues
• Financial and accountancy procedures
• Employment practice
• Community development, equality issues and social analysis.

1.6 Facilitating county and regional networking between Projects

Where appropriate and requested by the Projects Framework provides support for county and regional networking as follows:

Framework’s Programme of Support also includes working with Projects in making strategic alliances that will enhance the work that they are undertaking at community level.

1.8 Supporting Projects to influence policy

Framework provides ongoing support to Projects to assist in the process of developing strategies that will bring the issues for people on the ground to appropriate policy arenas at local, regional and national level. This work can involve supporting Projects to:

1.9 Anti-racism / equality

Framework is committed to working in solidarity with people who experience inequality and discrimination and raises awareness of anti-discriminatory practice as an integrated part of the ongoing Programme of support with Projects.

1.10 Accessing funding and other resources:

Framework provides support to projects to access additional funding and resources. This can be through assisting with funding applications or in supporting Projects to negotiate with potential funders, for example ADM, Dept of Education and FAS.

1.11 Support in crisis and conflict management

Framework recognises that crisis / conflict management and dealing with diversity is an ongoing part of community development and unavoidable for people who are working towards social change. Where possible Framework encourages projects to see crisis and conflict management as a opportunity to bring about positive change. Framework have developed a model of support for Projects that are going through crisis. This is outlined in our Code of Practice.

1.12 Building links with Specialist Support Agencies

Framework is committed to developing good working relationships with the Specialist Support Agencies funded within the CDP / FRC Programmes and with other resource organisations. We have been engaged in initiating or assisting with the organisation of inter-project training events run by Womens Aid, Pavee Point, Blue Drum and Dessa.

1.13 Evaluation and Monitoring

All regional Support Agencies are contracted by funders to carry out the role of monitoring the progress of Projects. This is undertaken in accordance with the guidelines agreed with Projects which are outlined in Frameworks Code of Practice document.

1.14 Providing ongoing advice

Framework provides telephone support and advice and support on a day to day basis to all Project