TDATF Invite to tender to assess the feasibility & viability of Strengthening Families Programme delivery

Background

The Strengthening Families Programme (SFP) is an evidence-based family skills programme developed in the USA. It is a 14-week programme that engages the whole family and encompasses several key elements:

• Family meal: all families and facilitators sit down for a meal for the first hour of the session.
• Parent, teen & child group work session: the second hour of the session involves 3 facilitated group work sessions taking place concurrently where parents, teens and children learn complementary skills.
• Family session: the final hour of the session brings all family members together to practice the skills learned in the previous hour.
• Home practice: tasks are assigned to be completed at home and discussed at the next session.
• Link worker support: all families engaging are referred and supported by a trained link worker.

TDATF communities have benefited from SFP since 2010, introduced and coordinated annually by Foroige under the auspices of the Tallaght Drugs Prevention Programme, supported by TDATF and a number of other stakeholders.

From previous project evaluations under Foroige, we know that the SFP has proven to be an effective option for engaging / supporting families with specific needs, in the TDATF area. By conducting a further feasibility study, TDATF can determine if the SFP is still a viable, effective and manageable option, under TDATF / SDCP, for supporting families, in partnership with key agencies.

TDATF wish to acknowledge the successful running of SFP in Tallaght, under the Tallaght Drug Prevention Project (Foroige), since 2010. In 2025, it is timely and opportune, to review the feasibility and viability of SFP in our area, in the context of:

• Evidence base: Irish & European (EUPC)
• Current local needs & trends
• Value for money
• Logistics and resources

It is envisaged the study will focus on:

• Existing resources:
  Assess whether there are sufficient staff, facilities, and funding available to implement the SFP effectively.
   
• Community readiness:
  Re-determine the level of support and engagement from the community, including local organizations, schools, and community leaders.

2. Program Suitability:

• Evidence base:
  Explore the existing research and evidence for the SFP's effectiveness, including its impact on child outcomes and family well-being.

3. Practical Considerations:

• Funding and staffing:
  Determine if there are sufficient resources to train facilitators, staff, and volunteers, as well as to provide necessary materials and resources for program delivery. Identify potential funding streams if necessary
   
• Logistical planning:
  Identify suitable location for ongoing program delivery, including one used previously, considering accessibility and suitability for families involved.
   
• Community outreach and engagement:
  Engage / reengage with groups & organisations who can reach out to and engage families, including those at higher risk, ensuring they feel welcome and valued.

4. Evaluation and Monitoring:

• Evaluation:
  Review metrics and indicators previously used to track the SFP's impact on child outcomes, family well-being, and program implementation.
   
• Positive impact on child outcomes:
  Assess the record and potential for the SFP to improve children's social, emotional, and behavioural development, as well as academic outcomes.
   
• Increased family well-being:
  Review the potential for the SFP to strengthen family relationships, enhance parental skills, and reduce family conflict.
   
• Community benefits:
  After 12+ years delivery in Tallaght, consider the broader benefits of the SFP, including reduced crime rates, improved child welfare outcomes, and a stronger community overall.

CANDIDATE SPECIFICATION

We are seeking a qualified individual or organisation that can demonstrate competence and experience in the following:

• Proven experience on similar projects
• Experience of producing high quality reports / research within a governance / management context
• An understanding of SFP and drugs prevention programmes more broadly
• Delivering on projects within an agreed budget and timeframe
• An understanding of Local Drugs & Alcohol Task Forces, the National Drugs Strategy and community drugs / prevention focused work
• Knowledgeable on the responsibilities under the Charities Regulator.

TIME FRAME:

We are keen to have this study completed as soon as possible but are open to having conversations with interested parties as to how such a timeframe can be meaningfully structured, maximising the resources and time between now and September / October 2025.

REPORTING:

The person / or organisation will report to the TDATF Coordinator on a regular basis.

SUBMISSIONS 

Tenders are requested from appropriately qualified and experienced individuals / organisations and should include all the following:

• Details of qualifications and experience of all workers involved in project.
• Details of previous work undertaken including relevant experience and knowledge.
• Proposed process to meet the key objectives. This would include a breakdown of days or more likely hours committed to project with clear description of milestones with proposed dates including cost per day per consultant.
• Details of two referees
• Details of any current or recent piece of work of a similar project.
• Any other relevant information in support of proposal.
• Rate per day per consultant
• Tax Clearance
• Indemnified Insurance

CRITERIA

The decision to award this contract will be based on submissions received from those who fulfil the criteria under the headings above for ‘Candidate Specification’ and elements of ‘Submissions.’

Any potential conflict of interest and/or loyalty must be clearly stated in the submission.
A review group will be responsible for the selection of the appropriate person for this task. This may include an interview and a presentation if deemed necessary for the selection of the best candidate. They will look closely at:

• The candidate or organisation that best meets the candidate specification.
• Overall quality and feasibility of the proposal.
• Cost and value for money.
• Skill, expertise, and experience of the consultant.
• Ability to work within the required time in collaboration with TDATF and key stakeholders

Cost

Tenders should be priced inclusive of all service charges and VAT.
The total budget for this tender (inclusive of VAT) is €4k

Closing date for applications: 5pm June 27th 2025

Applications by e-mail can be sent to: grace.hill@sdcpartnership.ie

For any queries please contact:

Grace Hill, Coordinator TDATF
South Dublin County Partnership
Block 3, County Hall
Belgard Square North
Tallaght, D/24
Ph. 01 464 9303 / 087 239 5581
Email: grace.hill@sdcpartnership.ie
Web: http://www.tallaghtdatf.ie/
Web: http://www.sdcpartnership.ie/