Minister Ritchie agrees new arrangements for family support services

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie today announced her Department’s intentions to pilot a new way of delivering community based family support services.

Working closely with the South and Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, the pilot will enable families who are going through separation or divorce confidential, professional support in a neutral, child friendly space.

This is a move away from the more traditional adversarial resolution through the courts. It will create a situation where families can work together to resolve their differences and establish contact with the non-resident parents and other family members.

Commenting on the need for this service the Minister said: “People living in areas of multiple deprivation are more likely to experience family problems. This has been documented clearly in local neighbourhood action plans across Belfast and beyond.

“The pace of life today puts more stress on families than in the past. This service recognises those pressures and seeks to resolve issues rather than build walls.”

The Minister also highlighted how this service keeps a focus on the child by attempting to avoid or minimise any disruption or additional stress they might experience as a result of family issues.

Margaret Ritchie said: “A key feature of this service is its location. Children and their parents are not asked to enter what, for them, could be an alien environment in a public building or institution. These services are delivered within a community setting with careful attention being given to ensuring that children feel comfortable in their surroundings.”

DSD’s funding of £44,000 will enable over 100 families throughout Belfast and the Lisburn area to access family support services over the coming year.

Notes to editors:

1. The cost of the project initially funded for one year is £124,000 with £80,000 provided by the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust and £44,000 by DSD’s Belfast Regeneration Office
2. Cloona Child Contact Centre has been contracted by the South & Eastern Health and Social Care Trust as the delivery organisation for this service.
3. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.