Tusla Child and Family Agency is the dedicated state agency responsible for improving wellbeing and outcomes for children. It encompasses child protection, early intervention and family support services.
The Agency operates under the Child and Family Agency Act 2013, a progressive piece of legislation with children at its heart and families viewed as the foundation of a strong healthy community where children can flourish. Partnership and co-operation in the delivery of seamless services to children and families are also central to the Act.
There are over 5,000 staff working in the Agency.
Under the Child and Family Agency Act 2013, Tusla supports and promotes the development, welfare and protection of children, and the effective functioning of families. It does this by:
Offering care and protection for children in circumstances where their parents have not been able to, or are unlikely to, provide the care that a child needs. The Agency does this by maintaining and developing services and supports for children and families;
Ensuring that every child in the State attends school or otherwise receives an education, and by providing educational welfare services to support and monitor children’s attendance, participation and retention in education;
Ensuring that the best interests of the child guide all of our decisions ;
Consulting children and families so that they help to shape the Agency’s policies and services;
Strengthening interagency co-operation to ensure seamless services that are responsive to needs;
Undertaking research relating to our functions and providing information and advice to the Minister.
Our services
Tusla Child and Family Agency’s services include a range of universal and targeted services:
What were the main 'career decision' milestones in your life so far?
My career guidance counsellor and parents guided me to where my strength lay and that enabled me to identify at the CAO form stage what might interest me the most in third level. I studied law in third level and that confirmed that it was a profession that may interest me. Another key milestone was my traineeship as academic study is very different to work in the real world. Once I could see what it was like to practice law in the real world I knew for sure that this was a career that would be challenging and interesting for me.
Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?
I was very lucky to have very supportive parents who encouraged me to explore what I may be most interested in. My school guidance counsellor was also very supportive.
How did you go about getting your current job?
I worked in the child law area in the private sector for many years and then an opportunity came up to work in Tusla.
Describe a typical day?
I work on all aspects of human rights for children and families. Some days we are preparing to go to Court and other days we could be working on giving legal guidance on important decisions for families and informing policies for Tusla workers.
What are the main tasks and responsibilities?
I give legal advice to Tusla on all aspects of its function from child protection to education and welfare. I attend Court and help to make sure that the Court process respects everyone’s human rights.
What are the main challenges?
Sometimes the cases are difficult and take longer than expected but I am aways well supported. We have also got support from other areas in Tusla like Data Protection so we work together as a team.
What do you like most?
I like working with dozens of different staff members every day as we work as a team to protect children’s rights.
Is there anything that isn't great?
Sometimes the cases are difficult and take longer than expected but it is important that enough time is given to complicated matters.
What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?
It is important to be a good listener and to be able to put yourselves in the shoes of other people. Also, sometimes it is important to take your time before making decisions and talk to other people to get another point of view.
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
I enjoyed history, English and civics. I also did Latin but it is not essential for a future career in law! Any subjects that encourage curiosity and asking questions and challenging narratives would be useful for a career in law.
What is your education to date?
I went to school in Dublin and achieved a law degree in Trinity College. I then studied to be a solicitor in the Law Society. Education never stops though and working in the private sector has also formed me.
What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?
My third level education was most focussed on law but you do not need a law degree to make a successful career in law. Many people come from different backgrounds and I think critical thinking and good listening skills are perhaps the most important parts of your education that you should seek to develop.
What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?
I qualified as a solicitor from the Law Society but actually being able to put my training into practice is most rewarding. Helping people understand their legal duties and rights is very important and plays a part in upholding our democracy.
What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?
I am a good listener and have curiosity. Never be afraid to ask questions as that is the only way you learn!
What is your dream job?
A profession in the law is not for everyone but it is very rewarding and you can help people understand their rights. I am very happy working in my job in Tusla.
Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?
The role involves working in the office/work from home and also in other venues such as in the Courts. The truth is that your time is not always your own as the demands of protecting children may not fit neatly with a 9-5 job.
What advice would you give to someone considering this job?
Ask loads of questions and be curious. There are many different areas of law and just because one area is popular does not mean you will like it. You may find that another less known area of law might be right up your alley! Child law is a niche area but I like it.
Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?
I am always learning. Like most other professions (eg medicine), the law does not stand still and it must react to changes in society and seek to place human rights at the core of its work. We must do 23 hours continuous professional training every year and I will always try and focus on human rights law and child law.
What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?
Work experience in a solicitors office would be best. Also, seeing a barrister at work in the courts would be very useful. There are other opportunities which could be helpful for example in the Courts Service or in a non governmental organisation such as Free Legal Advice Centres.