The TARA Project
The TARA Project is a research partnership between Dublin South Central (DSC), TUSLA, Child and Family Agency and University College Cork.
The overarching aim of this partnership is to integrate trauma-informed practices (TIPs) in the DSC Area, Tusla, to support responding to the complex needs of, and improve outcomes for the children and families who come into contact with the service.
The first phase has focused on staff training and development through a UCC-based programme to support staff in developing a shared understanding and approach, and to produce champions. Phase 2 focuses on how to embed TIPs into existing processes and practices in DSC in collaboration with the champions and assesses the impact on practice and clients.
Latest news
24 Oct 2025
10th National Child Protection and Welfare Social Work Conference
On the 24th of October 2025 Dr Maria Lotty (UCC), Lisa McCormack (TUSLA), Niamh Campbell (TUSLA) and Dylan Stanley (TUSLA) presented at the 10th National Child Protection and Welfare Social Work Conference, which took place in UCC
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28 Feb 2025
Research Dialogue Seminar – Crossing Disciplines and Specialisms
On 28 Feb 2025, Maria Lotty and Aoife Price presented and sought feedback from discussants, including Róisín O'Gorman (Theatre, UCC), Michelle Bergin (Occupational Therapy, UCC), Finola McCarthy (ACE, UCC), Sheena McHugh (Epidemiology and Public Health, UCC). The presentation titled 'Transforming Child Welfare Practices: Exploring Co-creation methodological approaches for the TARA Project, Phase 2' centred around the ongoing work regarding the methodological approach and framework guiding the study. Click read more for a summary of the discussion and feedback gathered on the day.
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12 Feb 2024
Parchment ceremony for the graduates
On February 12th 2024 a parchment ceremony for the graduates of the CPD in Trauma-informed Care Programme took place in the Aula Maxima, UCC. A total of 35 graduates from across the Dublin South Central Area of TUSLA Child and Family Agency were awarded a Certificate in Continuing Professional Development in Trauma-informed Care: Theory and Practice. The graduates represented a range of disciplines including: Social Work, Social Care, and Family Support, and are currently working across a diverse level of responsibilities including frontline practitioner, middle and senior management roles.
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Listing of upcoming events
| Date | Event | Description | Location | Audience | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-12-12T09:30:00Z | TARA Participation Event | The participation event will bring together the research area's staff. It will be where the clusters' work will be presented and tested. | Dublin | TUSLA Staff | /en/tara/tara-participation-event-.html |