We increased the breadth of locations across Southampton available to the BRS for supervised contact of parents with looked after children.
The Behaviour Resource Service (BRS) is a multi-agency specialist CAHMS service who work with children, young people and their families living in Southampton who have severe and complex emotional and behavioural difficulties. The families may have a combination of needs and the children and young people may be Children in Care, have other health related needs, learning disabilities or difficulty accessing education.
Constrained by capacity in current venues and it being located in the North West of the city, the BRS were in need of spaces that would enable families to meet together as easily as possible. The challenges they face are travel costs and travel time plus suitable environments for a family to meet and play. In 2015 the budgeting for this service was reduced effecting the supervised contact spaces that BRS could offer to Children in Care and their parents.
Considering these requirements, we researched opportunities for the BRS to use. Firstly, we provided a database for the multiple Parent and Toddler groups operated by Faith groups that were either low cost or free. This enabled the BRS to reduce their spend in taking families to other play venues.
Secondly, we approached our contacts made through the Faith Action Audit asking Church leaders about space available in their buildings that could be used for supervised contact. The responses were exceptional, many now partnering with the BRS offering their facilities.
BRS now have a variety of contacts spread across the city that will make supervised contact sessions more accessible.
“Our first meeting was friendly and informative. Alder Trust opened up possibilities for us – since we are updated with new activities and we are given valuable information to help benefit our clients. We are now in a position to give parents a wide range of activities enhancing their quality of contact.” – Vicki Dymond
We are still in communication with BRS and have a good relationship, helping where we can when needed.
