The Family Support Agency Act 2001.

Abstract

The Family Support Agency Act 2001 was enacted with the purpose of rationalising and enhancing the main family support programmes in Ireland. Prior to the passing of the Act, numerous support services, most of them in receipt of state funding, had become available for families and communities. These services ranged from mediation and counselling services to community support programmes. Many of the services arose organically, in the community development context, and were subsequently enhanced by legislative measures. The Commission on the Family emphasised the need for a greater balance of resources in dealing with the legal consequences of marital breakdown, and providing social supports for families in vulnerable situations