There are 108 communities supported through the Child and Family Agency's Family and Community Services Resource Centre Programme providing services and supports to local communities. Through its established network of 106 Centres nationwide, and two outreach Centres, the FRC programme is Ireland’s largest family support programme delivering universal services to families in disadvantaged areas across the country based on a life-cycle approach.
The aim of the FRC programme is to combat disadvantage and improve the functioning of the family unit. Each FRC operates autonomously working inclusively with individuals, families, communities, and both statutory and non statutory agencies. FRCs are an integral part of the Child and Family Agency's Local Area Pathways model and act as a first step to community participation and social inclusion. The programme emphasises involving local communities in tackling the problems they face, and creating successful partnerships between voluntary and statutory agencies at community level.
A central feature of the FRC programme is the involvement of local people in identifying needs and developing needs-led responses. FRCs involve people from marginalised groups and areas of disadvantage on their voluntary management committees. This approach ensures that each FRC is rooted in the community and this, in turn, makes it a vehicle for delivering other programmes in the community. FRCs are participative and empowering organisations that support families while building the capacity and leadership of local communities.
The work of Kenmare FRC is guided by the 5 outcomes recommended in ‘Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures’ - Active & Healthy, Achieving in All Areas of Learning & Development, Safe & Protected from Harm, Economic Security & Opportunity and finally, Connected, respected & contributing to society.