Aiming High for Families
Families for Children has placed great emphasis on providing high quality care for Disabled young people from its very beginning as a Fostering Agency. In 2008, Aiming High for Families was conceived by the organisation in response to central Governments’ Aiming High for Disabled Children (AHDC) agenda which focuses on making improvements to the quality and capacity of Disability services nationwide.
Aiming High for Families has been commissioned by East Sussex County Council to provide Sitting, Befriending and Outings services for Disabled young people. An eligibility criteria applies to the services offered free of charge, as the Project is one piece of the Local Authority’s raft of services developed countywide as part of their implementation of the AHDC initiative. Subsequently, Aiming High for Families supports young people aged 5 to 11 years with complex health needs, who are in receipt of medium to high Disability Living Allowance, living within the county of East Sussex.
• Sitting services create a regular short break for parents who may chose to spend this period with other members of the family, shopping or just time for themselves. This can be on a regular weekly basis but can also be a flexible arrangement given the unpredictability of family life. During a Sitting provision, emphasis on play, creativity and the attaining of objectives for these sessions can be set and reviewed.
• Befriending as a notion will underpin all services but in this sense offers support to individuals looking to reduce social isolation and develop their social skills. Such supporting relationships for example, will encourage young people to attend the clubs they choose, grow in confidence and over time may reduce dependencies they may have on certain individuals.
• Outings provide opportunities for young people to pursue interests and hobbies whilst at the same time, reducing family stress. In each case, the accessing of mainstream community services is a priority when supporting outside of the family home. Support on Family Outings is another valuable consideration.
A team of ‘Enablers’ facilitate the services which are tailored around an individual’s needs. This team follow a comprehensive training programme which is extended when a specific condition requires additional training. This is one topic which is explored during regular Team Meetings and supervision sessions. All Enablers are subject to through interview and vetting processes conducted by Families for Children.
Following a request for support, the Project Leader visits the family and completes an assessment, exploring how the young person can benefit the most from Aiming High for Families input. Where appropriate, this support incorporates as many other family members as possible. Continuation of the same Enabler providing support is a priority to encourage positive relationships and trust. An introductory process takes place before any provision commences. Regular Service Reviews are held to identify new objectives for provisions and how everyone is feeling about current arrangements. Contributions from the young Service Users are encouraged throughout all stages of decision making.
Regular monitoring meetings have allowed East Sussex County Council to ascertain who, where and how families are benefiting from their newly commissioned Disabilities services. In turn Aiming High for Families is working closely with other commissioned organisations to further enhance the support available for local families.
It should also be highlighted that even outside Aiming High for Families eligibility or East Sussex as a county, Disabled young people and their families should be made aware of the improving capacity and quality of services available to them through the Government’s Aiming High for Disabled Children agenda.
If you are, or know of, any families that may be eligible for Aiming High for Families support, someone who would be interested in adding themselves to the quality team of Enablers or require any more information regarding the Sitting, Befriending and Outings services, please contact:
