The aim of this fund is to strengthen services for children with a disability currently waiting for Children’s Disability Network Team services (CDNTs).
With the support of Anne Rabbitte TD, Minister of State for Disability at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the HSEis calling on disability service providers and community groups who can provide additional and innovative services, such as but not limited to:
- Recognised sensory programmes
- Evidence-based therapies
- Respite services – clubs, evening and weekend sessions, Saturday clubs, sports sessions
- Additional therapy sessions for service users, such as managing challenging behaviours.
The HSE recognises the importance of additional supports for children with disabilities, especially when the supports they need may not be available currently.
Additional services will be considered for funding if they meet some of the needs of children with disabilities and their families currently waitlisted for Children’s Disability Network Services provided by the HSE and its partner organisations.
Organisations applying for funding must outline the benefit they expect to achieve.
Bernard O’Regan, Head of Operations, HSE Disability Services, said:
This fund is intended to improve access to the essential services that children and young people with a disability need. Funds will be distributed to organisations in 2023 and some proposals may be funded for up to three years.
Anne Rabbitte TD, Minister of State for Disabilities, said:
I welcome this fund as an initial step by the HSE in developing further supports for families.
I am conscious that many families are awaiting services and I expect this fund will provide additional options for those children with complex needs, whether that be respite services, essential therapy interventions or additional support programmes.
Who can apply?
- Organisations who have an existing service arrangement or grant agreement with the HSE
- Community and voluntary groups
- Private providers
- Joint applications from a number of organisations or community groups – applications should identify the lead organisation.
More information on the application process is at www.hse.ie/childrensdisabilityfund
How to Apply?
Disability service providers and community groups applying must provide a description of the proposal, outline the added value, expected outputs and benefits and the budget along with a timescale and milestones to be reached.
You can only apply online.
Complete the children’s disability services application form online.
You will need to include:
- a description of the project or service
- why you believe it will benefit children or their families
- how it will add value to existing services
- expected outputs, benefits and key performance indicators (KPIs)
- budget
- timescale and milestones
- an assigned person who will be accountable for the project
If you have any queries about the application form you can contact us by email.
Important dates
Monday 13 November 2023 – closing date for applications
Monday 27 November 2023 – letters issued to successful applicants
Monday 11 December 2023 – first instalment of funds available to successful applicants