Independent Visitor Programme
The Independent Visitor programme offers one-to-one support for children and young people who are in care or have had experience with the Trust’s care support services.
Our Services
Young People and Families
4000
young people and families supported across NI annually
740
young people supported with education, training and employment opportunities in our Youth Engagement Services
2400
young people provided with mental health support
391
placements supported through our Short Stay Break Services
Service Provider
Emma Purdon
Director of Communities and Family Services
Emma is the Director of Communities and Family Services. She has worked for Extern for over ten years. Emma provides leadership and direction to Programme Managers within the homelessness, refugee, criminal justice and the education and learning programmes within Extern. In 2024, Emma was appointed as Extern's Director of Communities and Family Services.
Service Provider
Caroline Rutherford
Programme Manager, Young People and Families
Caroline is Programme Manager overseeing Extern's Pathways, Moving Forward Moving On, LAC Mentoring, Intensive Support Fostering, Linx, Janus, Independent Visitor Service, Peer Mentoring Programme and Youth Engagement Service teams
Janus Project
The Janus Project is a community-based programme with a residential element, which offers intensive support tailored specifically for young people, who may be experiencing crisis or have been impacted by trauma.
Kinnahalla Youth Village
Kinnahalla is one of Extern’s youth villages, where young people can find a safe space to escape from the challenges they may be facing in their lives, amid the breath-taking beauty of the Mourne Mountains in Co Down.
Linx Project
The Linx Project is a community-based programme which builds upon the strengths of young people and their families to encourage healthy development, safety, stability and a positive future.
Roscor Youth Village
Located on the shores of Lower Lough Erne, Roscor Youth Village is one of Extern’s youth villages, catering for children and young people through a variety of residential programmes.
Strength 2 Strength
Strength 2 Strength is a community-based programme which utilises a strength based approach to address the needs of vulnerable children aged 8-13 years and their families who may be experiencing difficulties at home in school and in the community.
Short Stay Break Service
The Extern Short Stay Break Service is a planned, or emergency, break as an alternative to being placed in short-term care, by providing three or four day social, educational, cultural and recreational respite to young people, aged 7-17.
Youth Engagement Service (YES)
The Youth Engagement Service provides advice, information and support on any youth-related issue.