News & Events
Research Launch: A Review of Meitheal - a National Family Support Practice Model
Date Released: 27 May 2025
Pictured: L:R Dr Patricia O'Connor, Dr Carmel Devaney, UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, University of Galway, Kate Duggan, Chief Executive Officer, Amy Mulvihill, National Manager, PPFS , Colette Mc Loughlin, National Director Services & Integration & Charlene Duff, National Co-ordinator, PPFS, Tusla - Child and Family Agency.
On Tuesday, 27 May, A Review of Meitheal, a Tusla led National Practice Model was launched by Tusla - Child and Family Agency.
The research was completed by Dr Carmel Devaney, Dr Patricia O Connor and Professor John Canavan, UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at the University of Galway and funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.
Meitheal is a supportive model that is offered to families referred to Tusla or other child welfare agencies. It is designed to ensure that the strengths and needs of children and their families are effectively identified, understood, and responded to in a timely way so they get the help and support needed to improve children’s outcomes. This research found that Parents participate very well in the model and in the main find it a useful resource to support them in their parenting efforts. Parents report that being listened to, included and facilitated to share their family circumstances and challenges is both welcome and empowering. However, Meitheal is not a panacea and unfortunately cannot respond to the needs of many children who need supports & services with regard to housing, mental health, and disabilities.
Dr Carmel Devaney highlighted how Meitheal engages with parents, children and young people through principles of respect and empathy in a non-judgmental manner. It is very successful in involving parents in the process, however children and young people are less well represented in the model. The model is highly valued by the agencies who implement it, but requires ongoing support and investment to ensure it is consistently available when needed by families across the country.
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