Intensive Family Support Service (IFSS)
IFSS is a community-based service that provides early intervention and targeted support to young people who are at risk of, or already involved in, criminal activity.
Our Services
Young People and Families
588
received intensive support by our Young People and Families projects in 2024/25
4
Respite Centres Supporting Families and Individuals in Need
18
Dedicated Projects Supporting Young People and Families
100%
of young people believe they are treated with respect and honesty by Extern staff
Service Provider
Deirdre O'Driscoll
Services Director Ireland
Deirdre has worked in Extern since June 2007 and has held a variety of roles within Extern including Service Manager and Programme Manager Assistant Director. Deirdre holds responsibility for Tusla, Department of Justice and HSE funded services. Deirdre’s prior experience in the residential care and homeless sector, both in a professional and voluntary capacity, has further served to invigorate her drive and energy to improve the lives of those most vulnerable in our society. She has an Honours Degree in Applied Social Studies and a Diploma in Management and Employee Relations.
Service Provider
Darren Conroy
Programme Manager, Young People and Families
Darren oversees Extern's projects in ROI as Programme Manager
Intensive Home Support Service
IHSS is a home-based service which focuses on strengthening family unity, sustaining young people at home and helping the family to develop positive, healthy relationships.
Janus Programme
The Janus programme works intensively on a one-to-one basis with young people aged 10-17, who are living in the community or within the care system, and who present with emotional or behavioural difficulties.
Kinnahalla Youth Village
Kinnahalla is one of Extern’s youth villages, where young people can find a safe space to escape from the challenges they may be facing in their lives, amid the breath-taking beauty of the Mourne Mountains in Co Down.
+44 (0)7484 536616
Roscor Youth Village
Located on the shores of Lower Lough Erne, Roscor Youth Village is one of Extern’s youth villages, catering for children and young people through a variety of residential programmes.
+44 (0)7967 810437
Savannah House
Located in Co Kildare, Savannah House is a respite facility which provides overnight stays to young people who are living at home with parents or in a stable care arrangement.
+353 (0)86 383 1891
Oakport
Situated in Roscommon on the banks of Oakport Lough, Oakport provides respite to service users and their families
+353 (0) 86 383 1890
Short Stay Break Service
The Extern Short Stay Break Service is a planned or emergency break as an alternative to being placed in short-term care, by providing three or four day social, educational, cultural and recreational respite opportunities to young people, aged 8-17.
Youth Support
Youth Support is designed to provide individually tailored support to young people age 8 to 13 years to prevent their entry into care, or their progression through the care system to higher level interventions.
