Request for Tender: Development of a National Framework that defines community-based parenting hubs and guides their implementation in Ireland

Background & Context

Following on from a Scoping and Review conducted by Nexus Research Cooperative (2024) of existing Parenting Hubs in operation across the country, Tusla Prevention Partnership and Family Support (PPFS) wishes to commission the development of a National Framework for same. It is hoped that this framework will guide the implementation of Parenting Support Advisor (PSA) roles across Tusla, define and inform the development and implementation of Parenting Hubs that will be associated with these roles.

The research and consultation undertaken in 2020 and 2021 by DCEDIY to inform the development of a national model of parenting support services highlighted the need for a greater awareness of available parenting supports. One of the actions under Supporting Parents, a National Model of Parenting Support Services, is to recruit a dedicated Parenting Support Advisor in each Tusla area.
These new roles will complement, support, and coordinate new and existing Parenting Hubs throughout the country to ensure every parent has access to timely support, advice and information as the need arises.

The Nexus Research Study (2024) involved both qualitative and quantitative engagements with locally based practitioners active in Ireland’s parenting support landscape. It found clear evidence that a significant amount of work is taking place in the parenting support space across the country, however, it found that there is a clear need for the development of a National Framework to guide further development of this work. A logic model framework was developed as part of this study which, alongside key recommendations made, should inform next steps with this development piece.

This Request for Tender is seeking expressions of interest from providers for developments as follows:

Outputs

To develop a national framework that will guide the implementation of community-based parenting hubs in Ireland by:

1.  Defining community-based parenting hubs in Ireland
2. Developing the current Logic Model for community-based parenting hubs into a National Framework, which is inclusive of;
   • Guidance in respect of resourcing and delivery of community-based parenting hubs in Ireland considering available national resources.
   • An implementation guide for the parenting hubs to include minimum standards and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the provision of parenting support nationally, proposed means of measurement, risks and assumptions.
   • Guidance for the development of the proposed Parenting Support Advisor roles Tusla,taking account of standards and KPIs above.
3. The Framework should also guide the evaluation of the initial implementation phase of this national programme that will include process and outcome elements to inform further development and implementation of the national programme.

Please see Tender Document attached below.

Queries and completed tenders should be returned by email to Siobhan McNevin at siobhant.mcnevin@tusla.ie

Closing date for receipt of tenders is 31st January 2025 at 5pm