Introduction
During the academic year 2006 / 2007 the team will offer preventative support via ten-week programmes. Each term the team will aim to offer different sets of programmes to young people throughout the borough aged between 5 and 16 years old. Following an assessment by the team, an individualised programme based on each individuals needs will be implemented. The programmes can cover anger management and social skills and will always aim to promote a healthy self esteem and self worth.
Referrals to the Team
Referrals to the Social Work Team will be accepted from the following sources:
- Behaviour Support Team – referring on behalf of Primary and Secondary Schools.
- Secondary Schools (in cases where there is no Behaviour Support Team supporting the school).
- Pupil Referral Units
Referrals must be submitted to ACE on the standard referral form and will be considered at the ACE Team Panel Meeting, which meets on a weekly basis.
Undertaking the work
All direct work (individual and groupwork) with young people will take place at the social work base. We have found it has proved more effective to work with pupils in a neutral setting to allow young people to look at the issues from a wider perspective. More often than not, family work will take place within the home setting, but all parent / carers will have the opportunity to attend a parent support group at the base. The social work team will transport to and from home or school.
Ongoing individual contact, regular liaison with school and family work with parent/carers will complement the support for pupils attending groupwork programmes. In certain circumstances, if it is felt an individual pupil would not benefit from groupwork, the team can offer direct work on a one to one basis.
The programme of support
All preventative support programmes will involve a two week initial period where the team will try to engage with young people and families on a one to one basis. The following six weeks will involve solution focused groupwork and the final two weeks will be used to ensure that individual young people have understood and benefited from the programme and are ready to move on. If it is felt that groupwork is not a suitable option for a young person, individual support will be offered instead.
The following packages of support can be available to young people:
- Primary Support Package
- Anger Management Support Package
- Social Skills Support Package
- Young Mens' Social Skills Package
- Young Womens' Social Skills Package
- Social Skills Through Outdoor Learning
- Summer Holiday Activity Groups
The tools used to help the young people share their experiences can include: thought sharing, discussion, role-play exercises, worksheets, games and handouts. On occasions, activities may be provided to help build self confidence and rapport within a group.
Evaluation of programme
Each week young people will be asked to complete an evaluation booklet, at the end of the programme, this will be shared with the school and family.
Parental Support
The social work team, which has many years experience of supporting families and supporting parent / carers, agrees that parents / carers are often the most important people in young peoples lives and therefore are also the most knowledgeable about them. All parents or carers experience some problems as their children grow up. The aim of the support is to help parents / carers enhance their confidence and skills, to manage their difficulties now and in the future. The creation of this support network will improve parents / carers self-esteem and sense of control.
