Local Support Network

 

Local Support Network
A: 91-93 St Olaf Street, Lerwick, ZE1 0ES
T: 01595 74 4489
E:

Local Support Networks have been established throughout Shetland since August 2003 to meet locally identified needs for early responses to children, young people and families with low level issues to prevent escalation into those requiring statutory interventions. The networks offer opportunities for low level and timely interventions to support the needs of children, young people (aged 0-20 years) and families on a voluntary basis. This voluntary approach to support is often seen as free from any stigma associated with other services. The inclusion of parents and young people in the discussions and decision making process together with the imaginative use of resources is significant to the network. Each network covers a geographical area with 5 coordinators working on a part time basis and the recently appointed senior co-ordinator full time in the Lerwick area are responsible for the supervision and support of the other co-ordinators.

 

The core aims are:

  • That anyone can refer a child or young person who they are concerned about to their local support coordinator in their area.
  • The coordinator can arrange multi agency meetings bringing together a group of people who are able to offer advice and support and give a consistent approach and hollistic view of a child, young person and family.
  • Put a support plan in place.
  • Appoint a link worker to put the plan into action.
  • The link worker appointed is likely to be the person who has the most contact with the child or young person.
  • Review meetings arranged at agreed times can be called by the link worker or others through the local coordinator.

Co-ordinated plans aim to improve the consistency and staff ability to manage difficult situations. The most common reasons for referral include behavioural problems in school, and challenging behaviour encompassing a wide span of needs. The network meetings are usually less formal than social work encouraging parents and young people to take an active part in the meetings without a lead agency.

 

The intention to have early intervention looking at the holistic needs of children, young people and families is preceeded by a check that single agencies have done what they can within universal services and a wider approach is indicated, plus a routine check with social services is done to establish whether there is an allocated social worker or the family known. All coordinators have a good understanding of child protection issues so that appropriate advice about concerns and referrals can be made.