The specific supports we offer to families are as follows:
Meitheal, Parent’s Plus, One-to One Interventions – Children & Young People, Parenting Support, Drop-in
Meitheal
Tusla has developed the Meitheal approach to help
children where they may need the support of more than one service.
Meitheal is a case co-ordination process for families with additional
needs who require multi-agency intervention but who do not meet the
threshold for referral to the Social Work Department under Children
First. Practitioners in different agencies can use and lead a Meitheal
so that they can communicate and work together more effectively to bring
together a range of expertise, knowledge and skills to meet the needs
of the child and family within their community.
Sligo Springboard Family Support Service’s Family Support Team are trained Meitheal lead practitioners.
Parent’s Plus
Parent’s Plus programmes support families to
communicate effectively, build satisfying relationships and overcome
emotional and behavioural problems. These programmes combine a
social learning model with a solution-focused preventative framework
that encourages and empowers parents and children to ‘take charge’ and
make positive changes in their lives.
Our programmes comprise of:
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The Early Years Programme for parents of children aged 1 to 6.
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The Children’s Programme for parents of children aged 6 to 11.
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The Adolescents Programme for parents of adolescents aged 11 to 16.
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The Working Things Out Programme targeted at adolescents aged 11-16.
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Parenting when Separated Programme is targeted at parents who are preparing for, going through, or have gone through a separation and divorce.
Sligo Springboard Family Support Service have trained
facilitators in at least one of these programmes. These programmes are
delivered over a number of weeks to families individually or in group
settings with another trained facilitator.
One-to-one Interventions – Children and Young People
Family Support Workers will carry out one-to-one
interventions with children and young people based on the needs
identified in their referral, and as identified by their
parent’s/guardians. Such interventions may include building on
self-esteem/confidence, personal safety, anger management and
understanding of feelings and emotions and how to display these in a
safe manner. Supports are designed to meet the specific needs of each
individual.
Parenting Support
We work with parents and adults in providing a listening ear and
support them in overcoming any difficulties that arise in their daily
lives.
As well as supporting parents through the use of
Parent’s Plus programmes, the Family Support Workers will support
parents to build on their skills in other areas such as the management
of the household and developing routines, budgeting/ money management,
and communicating effectively with their children’s other parent. The
Family Support Workers will advocate with other services on the parent’s
behalf and provide emotional support, encouragement and reassurance.
Drop-in
Sligo Springboard Family Support Service facilitates a drop-in
service to its current families, along with the extended community. This
service is available for those who need to talk when experiencing
difficulty or who require supports regarding specific services such as
phone use or replying to correspondence or to more complex issues such
as mental health and emotional wellbeing. We respond with appropriate
actions depending on the level of need. If required, we will signpost
the individual/ family to the appropriate service that can best meet
their need.