Tusla sets out pathway to better outcomes for children in first Corporate Plan

Tusla – Child and Family Agency has set out the pathway to achieving better outcomes for children in the long term in its first Corporate Plan. The plan covers the period 2015-2017 and outlines the agency’s vision and mission as well as the key strategic objectives it needs to realise over the plan’s lifetime.

Norah Gibbons, Chairperson of Tusla, says: “The Corporate Plan is a realistic, while also aspirational, document.  With the child at the centre, it provides a clear basis on which to develop business and work plans for Tusla over the coming years.

“Much has been achieved in the Agency’s first year to develop the necessary structures.  This Corporate Plan brings together the individual strengths of each of the Agency’s service strands and builds on their combined contribution.”

Under the plan, the period 2015-2017 will be used to lay down the foundations to enable the Agency’s medium and longer term outcomes to be achieved.  It also outlines a number of initiatives currently underway that will deliver tangible improvements for targeted groups with the first three years.   These include a targeted range of family and parenting supports, evidence-informed processes and systems, and embedding education in service delivery for all children.

Norah Gibbons adds: “Key to the success of Tusla’s work will be its willingness and capacity to work in a collaborative fashion with all its stakeholders.  This Corporate Plan is built on widespread consultation with staff and key stakeholders, whose task it is to implement the plan.

“This Corporate Plan represents a clear commitment by Tusla to work collaboratively with family, communities, and voluntary and statutory agencies in the best interests of children.”

NOTES:

• Download the plan here.
• Tusla – Child and Family Agency is the dedicated State agency with responsibility for improving the wellbeing of children. Tusla was established under the Child and Family Agency Act 2013 on 1 January 2014.  The Agency incorporates HSE Child and Family Services, the Family Support Agency, the National Educational Welfare Board, some psychological services as well as a range of services pertaining to domestic and sexual violence.  The agency represents the most comprehensive reform of child protection, early intervention and family support ever undertaken in Ireland.