children 1st
DESCRIPTION
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Helping kinship carers find their voice –
a national training, outreach and helpline service
Helpline, advocacy and mediation
• phone, email, website
• hotline number only for kinship carers
• extended opening hours from June
• weekends and evenings
About ParentLine Scotland
• national, Scottish Government funded
• volunteer led and operated
• over 6000 contacts annually
• 25% from extended family members
Common concerns
• family relationships
• contact/residence
• legal issues
• stress/anxiety
• concerns about a child’s safety
• substance misuse
More…
• ongoing support through case management
• advocate/mentor if needed
• training resources and events
• family group conferencing
Policy, outreach, capacity building
• mapping – what’s there and what isn’t
• groups, services, policies, supports
• regional carer & professional events
• annual kinship care conference
• podcasts, newsletters, web info, social networking
More…
• listening to cared for children and young people
• finding “hidden” kinship care families
• work in partnership, avoid duplication
• find the gaps, fill them!
In carers’ words:
“We get tired – it would be nice to have some time together…family support workers to help when an issue arises…no jargon in any leaflet…for social work to supply proper info…I worry if something happens to me, what will happen to my grandson…for CHILDREN 1ST not to make things too bureaucratic”
From the mouths of babes:
“I wish I could have sleepovers with my mum and dad….I wish for a dinosaur…to go to Disneyland Paris…to see my mum more….I wish my family never had fights…I’d like a dog…I wish my sister never dies….to visit the zoo”
A two-fold legacy
• enable future generations of kinship carers and their families can access the right support at the right time
• “equip” carers and their families emotionally and practically to influence “their worlds”
Contacts:
• ParentLine Scotland 0800 028 2233
• Kate Higgins, Policy Manager
0131 446 2323 [email protected]
• sign up today!