Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do families get help from Barnardo’s Family Support Team?

A. A parent, carer, child or young person can refer themselves by contacting us and we take referrals from other people too, such as doctors, teachers, health visitors, neighbours. We expect that the family has agreed to the referral being made.

Q. What happens after a referral is made?

A. A project worker will contact the family, usually arranging to meet for an informal chat. With the family’s permission, we will seek information about the child/young person from other people who know him or her well, such as their teacher, speech therapist or psychologist. We need to know whether the child/young person has a significant learning disability.

Q. What does ‘significant learning disability’ mean?

A. We think about what the child or young person can manage for themselves and how much help and support they need. In general terms, if they can manage things in a similar way to most children/young people who are half their age, or younger, then Barnardo’s Family Support Team can offer to support the family.

Q. What happens if the child/young person does not have a ‘significant learning disability’?

A. We would try to help the family find some more appropriate source of support.

Q. Must the children/young person have a “diagnosis”?

A. We welcome children and young people with a whole range of disabilities. Some have a clear diagnosis such as cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome or autism, while others do not have a named condition. All those we support have a significant learning disability and some have more than one diagnosis or condition.

Q. Will I have to pay for any of the help I receive through the project?

A. Most things are free of charge; however, a minimal contribution is requested towards the costs of a playscheme/activity day.

Q. What is the age range of the children/young people who use the project?

A. 0 to 19 years-old.

Q. What happens when the young person is 19 years-old?

A. When young people reach the age of 19 years we will normally withdraw our support but will review our involvement with both parents and the young people themselves. An 'Ending Event' is normally held with the young people, which includes certificates of achievement and if possible, a collection of photos from the young person's past involvement with the Project. We believe that marking endings is important.  While bearing in mind that Barnardo's is essentially an organisation which supports children and young people, we will only withdraw when we are satisfied that both young people and their families have sufficient supports in place to face the challenges of the adult years ahead.

Q. Does the project cover Dundee only?

A. Yes, the Barnardo’s Family Support Team is only available in Dundee City.

If you live in West Lothian, contact the West Lothian Family Support Team by:

Tel: 01506 656325

E-mail: wlfst@barnardos.org.uk

If you live in Inverclyde, contact the Inverclyde Family Support Team by:

Tel: 01475 741136

E-mail: inverclydefamilysupport.project@barnardos.org.uk

Q. What do volunteers do?

A. Volunteers help to run the activities for children and young people, usually by linking with one particular child/young person, helping to ensure that everyone has a fun and rewarding time.

Q. How do I go about volunteering?

A. See How can we help or Contact Us for more information.

Q. Do you provide placements for students?

A. Yes, the Project has a long history of providing placements for social work students and community education students in the main.