New Springboard project for New Ross

7th October 2005 

The Health Service Executive (Wexford Community Services) is signing a unique agreement with Youth New Ross Ltd to set up a Springboard Project in New Ross.  This community project will run for three years and has a 1.2 million euro budget spread over that time.  The signing of the agreement will take place on the evening of October 11th at Youth New Ross, CBS Primary School Grounds, The Bullawn, New Ross, Co. Wexford. 

This project will provide community based family support for vulnerable families in the New Ross area. It aims to provide family support to promote the well being of children in families, reduce the level of risk of children going into care, and promote the parenting capacity of parents.     

HSE spokesperson Con Pierce General Manager for Wexford Community Services says “This is a very important initiative and we look forward to working with Youth New Ross to implement the project.  Our goal is to have child centred initiatives, which work intensively with families experiencing significant risk. Springboard works with vulnerable families where there is a risk of children going into care, getting into trouble and early school leaving.  We want to ensure that there is a community service that families can access in their area that can:  

*   respond in a supportive manner to families where children’s welfare is under          threat.

 *  reduce risk to children by enhancing their family life.

*   prevent avoidable entry of children into the care system.

*    attempt to address current problems being experienced by children and families.

*    develop existing strengths of parents/carers of children who are under stress.

*     provide an accessible, realistic and user-friendly service.

*     work towards connecting families into supportive networks that may exist within their communities.

*     build support networks for families in the community.

*     provide parents with opportunities for the development of their own confidence and competence.

*     provide direct services to children.

*     and assist in the re-integration of children back into their families.”

The Health Service Executive in collaboration with a range of service providers including primary and secondary schools, local authorities, community groups, Gardai and youth groups is responsible for establishing Springboard Projects.