The overall aim of this project is to provide intensive support for high risk young people and their families by delivering intensive individual services. Linx services meet the specific needs of a number of young people who are currently unable to avail of group based support services within the community.
The methodology employs systemic practice in relation to both the young person and the family. Linx staff focus primarily on the needs of the young person referred, but also provide guidance and support to the family / carers of the young people, utilising the strengths within existing interlinking social and family systems.
Depending on the level of need, cases will only be closed where it is agreed between the Linx manager and the referring social worker, and where there is evidence that the individual objectives have been met. Cases will also be closed at the request of the young person or those holding parental responsibility
for that young person.
Referral criteria:
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Young People who are at risk of entering a care placement.
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Vulnerable young people who are leaving a care placement, and who need assistance to re-integrate back into their family and /or community.
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Young people who are at risk of becoming involved in anti-social or criminal behaviour.
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Young people who are having relationship difficulties within their families, or where there is a risk of family breakdown.
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Young people who are isolated or marginalised within the community.
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Vulnerable young people who have little or no family links.
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Young people resident within the relevant geographic area.
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Age range 13 - 17 inclusive.
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The young people referred will have been assessed as 'high risk' as described by the Hardiker Scales levels 3 and 4
Objectives:
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To develop and deliver individually tailored and focused support services to high risk young people and their families.
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To work within a systemic methodology, with the family, school and community as relevant to the needs of the young person.
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To provide support to carers and families who need assistance to sustain their young person at home.
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To develop a series of community based supports for the young person and, if appropriate, their families.
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To reduce the likelihood of any further interventions by the statutory agencies.
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To empower young people and their families to engage positively with other community based services, thereby negating the need for the intensive level of support offered by Linx.
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The young person and his/her carers must agree to the intervention.
Programme Content:
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Each young person will be offered individual face to face contact with a keyworker for a minimum of 2 hours per week up to a maximum of 12 hours per week. This can be extended subject to negotiation with the funder.The level of support will be entirely dependent on the needs of the young person and their family.
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The focus of the work and the level of intensity will be directed by the referral information, on-going assessment of need, review of individual objectives, and will be agreed at each review stage with all relevant parties (i.e. young person, carer, referring social worker and Linx worker).
Working Hours:
The working hours are flexible. There is no residential component in this programme.
Staffing ratio: maximum of 1: 6