Request for Quotation
Scoping of policies, services and best practice in relation to supporting children who are aged between 6 and 12 years old

Background & Context

Tusla Prevention, Partnership and Family Support wish to commission a scoping exercise on international and domestic best practice in preventative, early intervention and family support services, policies and initiatives for children aged between 6 and 12 years old.

Over the last decade, advances have been made in Ireland in relation to the support given to youth services, and Early Intervention Supports (pre-birth to 6 years). It has been identified that there is a potential gap in respect of services for the 6 to 12 years age cohort. This scoping exercise will aim to enhance our knowledge and understanding of current policy and practice in this area.

Services are reporting increased levels of young children becoming more at risk of developing antisocial behaviour and getting involved in criminality. This is impacting on children’s attendance and engagement in school, prosocial behaviours and emotional and social development.

This scoping exercise will utilise evidence to explore the current needs and issues affecting this age group, map existing services and detail gaps and opportunities in practice. It should also explore what policy frameworks and evidence-based interventions are available nationally and internationally and examine how these might be tested within the wider Irish context.

Outputs

To conduct a scoping exercise on the following areas:

1. Identification of international and domestic policy relevant to the delivery of preventative, early intervention and family support services for children who are aged between 6 and 12 years old.
2. Identification of domestic and international best practice and evidence-based services available to children who are aged between 6 and 12 years old.
3. High level mapping of services available in Ireland for children who are aged between 6 and 12 years old.
4. An overview of the issues that affect children who are aged between 6 and 12 years old in Ireland.
5. Recommendations for priority areas of support.
6. Identify a maximum of 10 services that have potential to be piloted in Ireland.

This work will include desktop research and engagement with relevant professionals, policy makers and service providers.

Requirements

1. Knowledge, skills and experience in the scoping, review and evaluation of policies, strategies and programmes within Children and Family Services.
2. Experience in and commitment to working collaboratively, ensuring transparency and respect in all aspects of the work.

Application Process

1. Cover letter, including the applicant’s outline plan and methodology for approaching the work (maximum two pages).
2. CV(s) of all personnel involved.
3. Detailed Costings/Quotes for the work to be undertaken to include VAT.
4. Timeframe for the completion of tasks.
5. Details of two referees.
6. Applicants should include tax clearance and insurance details as part of the application.

Criteria pertaining to the evaluation of tenders received

1. Quality, service delivery proposal (80%)
   • Relevant experience and knowledge.
   • The understanding of the brief.
   • Methodological approach.
   • Proven track record.
      
2. Price Proposal (20%)

Start Date & Budget

The maximum budget available is €20,000 inclusive of VAT and expenses. The expected commencement is June 2025, and timeframe for completion of the work is three months.

Queries and completed tenders should be returned by email to Charlene Duff at Charlene.duff@tusla.ie

Closing date for receipt of tenders is 13th June 2025 at 5pm