President to launch family suport centre

A research centre to improve support and outcomes for children and their families will be launched by President Mary McAleese today.

The Child and Family Research Centre (CFRC), at the National University of Ireland, Galway, will advance practice and policy in Ireland and internationally, through research, evaluation and service development.

Centre director Dr Pat Dolan said there is a need for more research that focuses on finding ways to support children and families in crises and prior to the escalation of problems.

“While social difficulties such as child poverty, youth suicide and violence within families are often brought to public attention, solutions to these problems are neither highlighted nor adequately shared among interested stakeholders, including families themselves,” he said.

Researchers will work directly with policy-makers and frontline child welfare professionals such as social workers, teachers and community youth workers in response to the increasing demand for services that deliver the best outcomes for children and families.

Earlier this year, the Child and Family Research Centre was awarded significant support from The Atlantic Philanthropies Ireland under its Disadvantaged Children and Youth Programme, which aims for better health and life outcomes for young people experiencing adversity.

Over the next five to 10 years the CFRC will become a leading centre of excellence, with more than 20 full-time staff and PhD students and an international visiting faculty programme.