Deansrath Family Centre
Deansrath Family Centre (DFC) has been serving children and families of Dublin West for over 20 years
We are located within an area of high socioeconomic disadvantage characterised by high levels of unemployment, single parent households and low levels of education and poverty. Our Centre has evolved over time and expanded from solely providing childcare to delivering a range of evidence-based approaches rooted in the principles of prevention and early intervention. We identify needs within families early and provide coordinated support before problems become more complex. Families can access a range of services and supports including; ECCE (which also caters for children with special educational needs), parenting programmes and child therapeutic interventions, as well as a range of wraparound supports ensuring that our families receive appropriate supports to improve their outcomes.
250
Families per day access Deansrath Family Centre
95
0 - 18 year olds per day receive direct age appropriate supports.
129
Programmes delivered to families During 2023
400
Families annually which equals 1600 Individual referrals
Our Model of Care
Our integrated model combines our Early Years Service and our Family and Early Childhood Centre. Through these services, families can access a continuum of supports from pre-birth to the adolescent years
Accessibility / Inclusivity / Advocacy
Deansrath Family Center is inclusive, welcoming families and children from all backgrounds, abilities and circumstances. Easy access to parenting information and supports in a nonclinical, non-judgmental and safe environment. Advocate for families on issues such as housing, medical, education and legal matters.
Quality childcare and education
Early Years service reflects the diversity of needs and accommodates children with additional needs under the AIM (Access and Inclusion Model). Promotes early learning through the provision of supports such as Play and Talk and the Incredible Years Small Group Dina.
Evidence-based practice
Evidence-based and evidence-informed service provision (Incredible Years & Parenting Plus) that aims to build parenting capabilities and promote child wellbeing and development. A multi-disciplinary, child-centred approach is adopted at all times to optimise family outcomes.
Integrated and coordinated supports
Tiered level of support (universal, targeted and specialist services) depending on level of need. Integrated early education, child development, parenting, and family support services.
Cross-sectoral partnerships
Strong interagency partnerships (inc. HSE, Tusla, CAMHS, Barnardos, schools and community organisations) to identify families at risk and facilitate the timely provision of supports. Established cross-sector referral networks to coordinate service provision and ensure continuity of care.
Staff expertise and skills and community engagement
Qualified staff with extensive experience of working with disadvantaged, vulnerable families. Family Outreach Service to build relationships with families who are isolated, marginalised or not connected with services.
Service flexibility and responsiveness
To effectively address the changing needs of families, DFC adapt and enhance their services to ensure families receive the necessary support at all times. New programmes and/or additional supports in response to community demands e.g. increase numbers for ECCE, parenting supports and adolescent supports.
Management and Leadership
The Denasrath Family Center Director has extensive knowledge of community needs and maintains key partnerships with Tusla and the HSE. Her role is important to maintaining Denasrath Family Center’s vision and in securing ongoing funding to sustain existing programmes
and develop new supports to meet the evolving needs of families across Clondalkin.