Exchange meeting with the colleagues of Loaise, Ireland and Derry, Northern-Ireland

8-9 January 2026

As part of the preparation of the Family Justice Center in Laois, we organised a highly valuable exchange with colleagues from the Laois Domestic Abuse Service, Detectives and Superintendents of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau and the National Domestic Abuse Unit, Laois Gardaí, and the team of the Foyle Family Justice Center.

Rich opportunity

During the visit, participants discussed in depth their experiences with setting up and operating a Family Justice Center, including practical day-to-day working methods, evaluation and impact, target groups, and lessons learned from implementation. The exchange provided a rich opportunity for peer learning and for strengthening the multidisciplinary and interagency approach that lies at the heart of the FJC model.

Sincere thanks

From the EFJCA, we are very pleased to support this exchange and to accompany the further development of the Family Justice Center in Laois. We extend our sincere thanks to Marie Brown, CEO of the Foyle Family Justice Center, and her colleagues for generously sharing their expertise and experience.