Local Integrated Service Delivery: A New Service Model for Tusla’s Future
Driving Transformational Change: Progress on Tusla’s Integrated Reform Programme in 2024
The TIRP is the transformational programme underway in the agency, to strengthen the way in which we respond to children, young people and families across Ireland.
The programme has five key pillars, to support services that are child-centred, equitable, integrated and responsive to emerging needs, to support staff and to strengthen public confidence.
Key Milestones and Achievements in 2024 (Five Pillars of Reform)
1. Local Integrated Service Delivery (LISD) Model:
This element of the Reform Programme relates to the future structure and service delivery model for our community services across Ireland. It places the child and family at the centre of our planning and service delivery, addressing inconsistencies in service structures and promoting multidisciplinary working, integration of services, improved access, and equity in resource allocation.
A major milestone in 2024 was the approval and initiation of new regional and network structures, supporting the transition from 17 Areas to 30 Network Areas, based on evidence and data related to population needs, deprivation and service demand. This redesign aims to ensure equality in service access and a more responsive and integrated service, and strengthens governance and accountability.
The LISD model introduces a widened and unified ‘Front Door’ to Network Services, a single point of access for early intervention, family support and child protection services, and the implementation of Local Integrated Teams, responsible for an integrated response to children and families in local geographical areas, in line with presenting need.
In 2024, the final design of the LISD model was completed following significant national, regional and local consultation processes with staff, which informed the design and implementation plan, ensuring a model grounded in frontline insight and experience. The planned ‘go live’ date for the implementation of the local integrated service delivery model is 1 January 2026.
2. Strengthening Foster Care:
A key focus of the Reform programme is to increase fostering placements to meet demand, to recruit new Foster Carers from diverse backgrounds, and to strengthen our support to existing Foster Carers.
In 2024, a national increase to the foster care allowance was secured, and new posts were established including national leads for Fostering, and Peer Support Workers to provide peer support for Foster Carers, particularly those starting out on their fostering journey.
3. Expanding Residential Care & Aftercare Capacity
Recognising the urgent need to increase residential care provision, a targeted approach to the expansion of residential care provision was taken. Tusla opened its first statutory residential centre since 2018, secured the purchase of nine properties, secured increased sustainability investment for community and voluntary and private providers and introduced an integrated revised referral and allocation process to ensure more timely and appropriate placements for children with complex needs. These changes are part of a broader shift towards delivering stable, therapeutic and evidence-based residential care services.
In aftercare services, efforts were focused on ensuring every eligible young person turning 18 has a dedicated aftercare worker and plan. As a result, a greater proportion of care-experienced young adults now receive timely, tailored support during their transition to independence, and 70% of young people in aftercare were in education and training.
4. Enhancing Workforce Capacity and Retention
Tusla remains focused on nurturing and retaining a skilled, valued workforce. In 2024, a range of initiatives were implemented to address recruitment and retention, including:
- overseas recruitment campaigns
- the launch of a ‘Return to Tusla’ campaign
- new bursary and apprenticeship programmes for social care and social work
- a national All-Staff Survey with follow-up action planning
- expanded mentoring, coaching, and leadership development initiatives.
5. Developing National–Regional Services:
To strengthen governance and accountability of Regional and Local Services, the design of new consistent regional structures was agreed, with a process commenced for the realignment of services and resources to ensure consistency and efficiency and to make decision making local and more responsive.
Looking Ahead
The key deliverables achieved in 2024 mark a turning point in the implementation of our Reform Programme, creating a structure and service delivery model system where resources follow need, services are joined up, and staff are empowered to deliver meaningful support.
As we move into the next phase of implementation in 2025, Tusla will continue to build on these achievements, ensuring that reform is not only delivered but embedded across the organisation in a measurable way to improve everyday practice and outcomes.
