General election candidates in the north west are being called on to pledge their support for family resource centres throughout the region.
There are about 16 such centre in the north west: 10 in Donegal, two in Leitrim and four in Sligo.
According to the Family Resource Centre National Forum, they need more funding, as well as a recognition of the range of family and community supports and services they provide.
The Family Resource Centre programme is currently dealt with by the Tusla child and family agency but centres point out their focus is greater than child and family.
The Forum also claims the future of resource centres are under threat because they do not have a dedicated government unit to administer their programme
Clare Cashman, chairperson of the Family Resource Centre National Forum, explains:
