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TARA Project

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The TARA Project - Trauma, Attachment, Resilience into Action

The TARA Project is a research partnership between Dublin South Central (DSC), TUSLA, Child and Family Agency and University College Cork. TARA stands for Trauma, Attachment, Resilience into Action, a practice model that has been developed to promote how to embed and realize the principles of trauma-informed care into tangible concrete practices. 

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.

Phase 1 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. Phase 3 assesses the impact on practice and clients.

Spotlight on TARA Cluster Practice Outputs

Phase 2 of the project focused on co-creating practical approaches informed by the TARA model with frontline professionals to integrate TIPs into everyday service delivery. TUSLA practitioners collaborated in four cluster groups which produced six approaches in total.

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Latest News

23 Oct 2026

Launch of the TARA Project Phase 2 and 3 Report

The TARA Project Research Report (Phases 2 and 3), Co-creation, feasibility and evaluation of trauma-informed approaches in child protection and welfare, was launched in Dublin on 23 October 2026. The full report is available to read at:
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19 Aug 2026

New article on the TARA Phase 2 cluster group processes

A new peer-reviewed article has been published in Children and Youth Services Review, focusing on how trauma-informed practice initiatives were co-created with child welfare professionals through cluster groups during Phase 2 of the TARA Project. The findings have significant implications for the design, governance, and resourcing of participatory practice-development initiatives in child welfare settings nationally and internationally. The study, titled "Translating trauma-informed knowledge into child welfare practice: findings from a participatory practice development initiative" is authored by Aoife Price, Maria Lotty, Margarita Frederico, and Finola McCarthy, and is available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2026.109220.
Read on sciencedirect.com
03 Jun 2026

Launch of Green Zone School Project Report

On 13th May 2026, the research report for the Green Zone School Project was launched in Dublin. The Project evaluated the impact of trauma-informed practices (TIPs) in a DEIS Band 1 primary school in Dublin in 2025.
Read on ucc.ie
03 Jun 2026

New article exploring pupils' experiences of trauma-informed practices

A new peer-reviewed article has been published in Child Care in Practice. The study explores pupils’ experiences of trauma-informed practices (TIPs) implemented in an Irish DEIS primary school as part of the Green Zone School Project.  The article, titled "Children’s Voices on Trauma-informed practices: A Photovoice Study in an Irish Primary School" is authored by Maria Lotty and Eithne Nic Dhomhnaill, and is available at: Full article: Children’s Voices on Trauma-informed practices: A Photovoice Study in an Irish Primary School.
Read on tandfonline.com
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