Frequently asked questions
Q. How do families get help from Barnardo’s Family Matters?
A. A parent can contact the project to discuss whether support could be available and this is appropriate to the project’s remit. Many referrals are made on behalf of parents by professionals who have a relationship with them. For example a Teacher, Health Visitor, Social Worker. See our referral process for information.
Q. What information should be included in a referral?
A. Referral information should give details of who is in the family, such as names, ages, address, areas of difficulty, the current level of support if any. Also, the reasons for making a referral to the project and what is hoped to be achieved by our involvement.
Q. What happens after a referral is made?
A. A multi-agency referral group meet 6-weekly and decide whether services can be offered. If the project is in a position to offer support, a Project Worker will contact the person who made the referral, discuss the information and arrange a joint visit. This visit is an opportunity to discuss more fully the need for services and obtain information on the project.
If the referral group does not feel the project can offer any support, a letter will be sent to the referrer by the Children’s Service Manager explaining the reasons for this decision.
Q. How often will I receive a service?
A. The frequency of our contact with children and their families depends on the individual needs of the family and is negotiated and agreed with them to ensure that contact is at an appropriate level.
Q. What kind of services will the project provide?
A. The project offers a range of flexible services depending on individual and families needs. See “What we do”. Services can range from practical support, work with parent and child on behaviour / relationships or individual support.
Q. What is the experience / background of the team at Family Matters?
A. The team have a variety of different professional backgrounds, ranging from Nursery Nurse, Community Education and Social Work.
Q. Who will know if I receive a service from the project and who is likely to be involved?
A. Any referral to the project is made with the families consent. If this is done on behalf of the family, by a Teacher or Social Worker, they will have knowledge of the referrer. Often families are involved with other support services and we would ask their permission to contact these people if this was relevant to the work that we do. The project staff team do work together with a range of different professionals with the aim of providing better services to children and families.
