Family Welfare Conference, 16 North Parade, Gorey, Co. Wexford: End of Year Report 2004

Abstract

The Family Welfare Conference (FWC) Project in Wexford was established as a pilot initiative in December 2002. This three year initiative is a partnership between HSE South Eastern Region, Wexford and Barnardos. Under the Child Care Act 1991, Part II 9 the HSE may contract out some of its responsibilities in relation to children and family to a voluntary body, and in this case it has done so with Barnardos. The service level agreement between the HSE and Barnardos is overseen by a management group which meets about five times a year under the name of the Health Board Liaison group. The relationship between both organisations has been key. The pilot is managed by a Project Leader (with Co-ordinator role also), with fulltime Co-ordinator and full-time Administration Worker. It is based in Gorey, Co Wexford, but services the whole county. This report will document project activity for the past year, 2004, how it is managed, what have been its successes and what areas need further attention. The report also hopes to look at the impact the service has had on existing services, what are the outcomes for children and families and how effective it is a decision making forum for children.