Participation in Practice - UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre

Participation in Practice:The Family Resource CentreProgramme as a ParticipatoryStructurePresented by Claire Dineen and AnneGoodwin13/6/13

Overview of the Family ResourceCentre Programme◦ 106 FRCs nationwide – Ireland’s largestcommunity-based family supportprogramme◦ Funded by the Family Support Agency◦ Aim: to combat disadvantage andimprove the functioning of the family. Interms of participation the Programmeemphasises the involvement of thecommunity in tackling the problems theyface, and creating successful partnershipsbetween voluntary and statutory agenciesat community level.

Functions of an FRCEstablishingnew groupsEnhancecontact andparticipationProvidinginformationresourcesInfluencingPolicyBuildingpartnershipsandnetworking &Integration ofServicesCORE FUNCTIONSOF AFAMILY RESOURCE CENTREPromoting selfreliance andautonomy (helpingexisting groups)ProgressionEducation/TrainingSupport:-Self developmentparenting

The Model of Family Support◦ Community-based◦ Strengths-based◦ Needs-led◦ Builds resilience and capacity◦ Develops connections and nurtures asense of belonging◦ Promotes social inclusion◦ Strengthens formal and informal supportnetworks◦ Works in partnership and strives forminimum intervention

Case Studies◦ Case Study 1: Kate’s Story- demonstrates theinvolvement of a whole family in the FRC◦ Case Study 2: Mary’s Story- highlights the impactof community participation in response to a localtragedy◦ Case Study 3: John’s Story- focuses on a youngman’s progression for youth club participant tocompany director

Exercise◦ Question AWhat are the factors which facilitateparticipation?◦ Question BWhat are the factors which hinderparticipation?

Facilitating Factors within the FRCProgramme◦ Universal service provision◦ ‘Open door’ access◦ Partnership approach◦ Collaborative working methods◦ Multi/inter and trans disciplinary approach leadingto enhanced responsiveness◦ The application of an ecological understanding◦ Self-referral/multi-referral pathways◦ Voluntary participation◦ Consultative process resulting in more focusedservice delivery and greater engagement◦ Relationship-based practice

Barriers to Participation◦ Substitution of consultation forparticipation◦ Fear of losing power◦ Lack of staff training◦ Lack of time to develop the process andbuild relationships◦ Lack of resources◦ Lack of commitment

Thank You