Children's support workers provide two specific services:
- Support for children and young people within the refuge
- Support for children and young people outwith the refuge (this is for children and young people who do not have a mother accessing other services)
The support work within the refuge includes activities and play sessions, advice and information, and one-to-one and groupwork sessions (During the summer there is more focus on activities and trips). Each child or young person is supported to create their own support plan. The support is split by age as follows:
- Pre-school children: nursery style group
- Primary school age children: Usually 2 hours individually once a week, some group work depending on range of ages and stages
- High school age young people: Worksheets, safety plans, self-confidence / esteem work, raising awareness
The support outwith the refuge takes place on a one-to-one basis, usually during school hours and often on school premises (although it can be elsewhere). It includes activities and play sessions; and advice and information. Each child or young person is supported to create their own support plan. Referrals to this service usually come from other agencies or are self-referrals.
Support plans are designed bespoke for the individual but might include:
- Dealing with peer pressure
- Coping
- Relationships (girlfriend / boyfriend)
- Safety plans
- Self evaluation
- Schools / college
- Health
The organisation is currently registered with the Care Commission as a provider of childcare services. The person, who is registered with the Care Commission as the manager of this service, is also registered with the SSSC; as are the two support workers who are registered as childcare practitioners.
The children and young people's services are paid for through the Scottish Government grant.
"I feel safe in refuge and so do my mum and brother."
Boy, aged 7
"The service is good, it's nice to be able to just chill out and not have a worry, plus you can talk about what you want."
Girl, aged 19
