Passport programmes provide services for those children aged 8-12 years of age who are assessed by social workers as being at 'medium' to 'high' risk of reception into residential care or custody/or alternatively assessed as being a child in need.
Early Years Programmes operate as per the Passport Programmes but has the added dimension of working within a more rural context. An element of the programme is peripatetic, outreaching to villages and town lands were children could be socially excluded due to a lack of mainstream provision. Each programme works with ten children although flexibility allows this to extend to twelve, as some children do not require the full intensive programme.
Referral Criteria
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In exceptional circumstances a referral may be accepted on a short term basis for a young person who is assessed as Hardiker level 2 but whose risk may quickly deteriorate to level 3 unless services are provided.
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Ability to work in a group
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Referred from social services
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Assessed as being in need and within Hardiker levels 3 or 4
Programme Content
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2 Activity Sessions per week
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1 Groupwork Session
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1 Specific Interest
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1 Day Trip
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1 Residential (2 nights) every quarter
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1 Hour per week Individual Work
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All children referred to the programme receive three Summer Camp places over July and August.
Objectives
To be needs led, creative, flexible and have a responsive approach, which includes evenings and weekend contact.
To have a community based approach
To have the young persons voluntary participation on the programme
To support young people within home/ care placement and minimise placement breakdown
To support young people within their own communities
To improve young peoples social and personal functioning
To decrease incidents of problem behaviour
To assist the development of positive peer networks
To develop independent living skills
To support educational or vocational improvement
To provide transition support during placement/ educational moves
To work in partnership with other community services in meeting the young peoples needs.
To work with parents/ carers to strengthen relationships with the young person
Working hours:
Flexible Working Hours Monday- Sunday The majority of service input is evening and weekends.
Staffing ratio: maximum of 1:6