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Wicklow Child & Family Project
Background:
The Wicklow Child & Family Project provides a community based family support service to local families in Wicklow Town and surrounding areas. This project is hosted by County Wicklow Partnership and funded through the Health Service Executive.
Aims:
The Project aims to provide services and support that improve the quality of life for children and their families. To work with families in need of family support within the community so that they become confident and empowered.
Our work is underpinned by the following values:
quality in all that we do
seeking always to empower our clients
supportive and friendly in our approach
creating a trusting environment
working in partnership with other relevant agencies
Strategies 2007 – 2011:
Deliver a range of quality family support services within the community.
Develop more effective inter-agency partnerships to enhance the services available to children and families within the community we serve
Develop the Wicklow Child & Family Project so that we deliver excellent services which make a difference
Premises:
Main office at The Mall
South Quay - The Project rents 2 rooms one to deliver one to one therapeutic work and the other for meetings and group work
Parent’s room, Holy Rosary National School, Wicklow Town: The Project has use of this room 5 mornings a week to deliver the Family Learning Programme.
Staff Team:
Ms Christine Keegan - Manager
Ms Deirdre O’Sullivan – Project Worker
Ms Bronwen Cannon – Project Worker
Ms Michelle Cox – Reception / administration
Ms Annabelle Wright - Reception / administration
Ms Kirsty Doyle – FLP Supervisor
Ms Doreen Byrne – FLP Assistant
Ms Jill Doyle - Project Support Worker - Community Employment
Front line services:
Reception / Administration & Drop In facility:
The Reception / Administration staff manages the Projects reception area ensuring that all visitors’ needs are appropriately met; that there are relevant information leaflets available to the public; that enquiries from the general public, by either phone or drop in, are dealt with sensitively. If the nature of an enquiry can not be dealt with by reception staff these are then referred on to the appropriate staff for further advice and support.
Reception / Administration staff also monitors spend of the HSE core budget and additional external funding. In addition they undertake all other administrative work relevant to the day to day operations of the Project.
Overview of work undertaken:
The Wicklow Child & Family Project is involved in intensive family support work with families, either referred by other agencies or families who self referred to the Project.
The intensive work with families involves either family group work or one to one work with individual members. This work is mainly carried out either at the main office or the family’s home.
An addition to the intensive work offered to families is one to one therapeutic services for families linked closely with the Project.
The Project is also involved in the Wicklow Family Learning Programme for families identified through the Wicklow Child & Family Project, the National Schools and other relevant local agencies.
Intensive Family Support Work:
Referrals:
Wicklow Child & Family Project accepts referrals from agencies working with families such as; Social Workers, Schools, Public Health Nurses, Gardai, I.S.P.C.C. WAY Project, Addiction services, HSE disciplines and other relevant local agencies. Families can also self refer to the Project. A central aspect of any referral is the commitment by the family to engage with the service. All programmes of work with the family are by their consent and their full agreement to participate in the programme. All work undertaken is strictly confidential.
Referral Policy:
The Wicklow Child and Family Project aims to offer support to children, young people and families, in order to reduce the risk of neglect or abuse. We work with families to increase their capacity to provide a safe and caring environment for their children and also promote the personal and social development of children and young people.
The primary focus is to work intensively with children in the 0-12 year old age group and their families, but not excluding other age groups where an assessment of risk indicates that they can benefit from our support.
Work undertaken by Project Workers:
The nature of the work with the families is dependent on identified needs. Following assessment of the needs of the child, young person and his or her parents/guardian, individual and group based programmes of work are established for the family. This work can take place in either the project, family home or school. The work may involve weekly one to one meetings, home visits, accompanying clients to meetings with other agencies;
The work carried out addresses issues such as:- Parenting skills; Parent / child relationships; Relationship issues; Separation; Behavioural difficulties; Alcohol & drug dependency; Domestic abuse; Anger management; Mental health; Learning disabilities; Housing; Finance; Supervised access visits
Therapeutic Services:
The Wicklow Child & Family Project engages three Psychotherapists on a sessional basis to deliver both individual & family therapy to the families referred / self referred to the Project.
The Project sources additional funding through the Family Support Agency, the East Coast Regional Drugs Task force and ESB Ireland Fund, the former for bereavement and child therapy, the ECRDTF for family members dealing with addiction issues and ESB Ireland for people presenting with suicidal tendencies.
The therapeutic service is a valuable and integral part of the projects work. Clients have the opportunity to make more sense of their internal and external world enabling them to live more fully and effectively. Experiencing change at a therapeutic relational level allows them to take these changes into their relationships with significant others in their lives thus promoting change.
Family Learning Pre School Programme:
The Wicklow Family Learning Programme (WFLP) is a preschool facility for children aged 2 ½ -5 years and is located in the parent’s room of Holy Rosary Girls’ National School. The WFLP is committed to promoting the development of children and their families to realise their full potential in a safe and caring environment. We aim to provide the highest possible standard of childcare for the families using our service, by helping the children to develop cognitively, socially, emotionally and physically, at their own pace through positive encouragement and caring support. We also actively encourage parental involvement in their child’s learning.
.The programme has 2 qualified members of staff who implement the daily curriculum. 15 children and their parents can be accommodated at this facility. Opening hours are Monday – Friday 9.30am – 12.30pm school term time
Funding for the Family Learning Programme is sourced through the Government ECCE scheme and CCS scheme.
Community Initiatives:
Drop-in Group:
The Drop-In Group is a facility for young people aged 11 – 14 years old. On average between 10 and 20 children attended the group each week. The Drop-In Group was staffed by volunteers, members of Ballyguile Residents’ Association and the staff of Wicklow Child & Family Project. The young people had access to P.C.’s, a variety of games consoles including an Xbox, Play station 3 and a variety of handheld games consoles. The Drop-In Group provided the young people with a safe environment in which to socialize, build relationships with staff and encourage the young people to improve their skills and build relationships with their peers.
The group finished in June 2010 and did not recommence in September 2010. It is hoped to run two children’s groups starting in November 2010 for children of families directly accessing the Wicklow Child & Family Project. These will have a specific focus on meeting identified needs.
Summer camps:
Wicklow Child & Family Project summer camp:
During August 2010 a 3 day summer camp was held for children aged between 8 – 10yrs. The children were identified through the Wicklow Child & Family Project and St Pats & Holy Rosary NS. The children who took part in this summer camp do not always have the opportunity to access summer camps due to their families limited finances.
The children where offered 3 days of activities comprising of sporting activities and trips. The outcomes from this activity are that the children are provided with the opportunity of accessing a summer camp; mixing with their peers from school and local community; building & strengthening relationships between staff and children and taking part in activities that may not always be readily available to the children. This initiative is funded through the local School Completion Programme.
Joint Initiative Summer Programmes:
9 separate outdoor pursuits / summer activities have been delivered during the summer of 2010, in partnership with other local agencies; CEART Travellers, Craoi Rath Naoi CDP, WAY Youth Diversion Project, East Wicklow Youth Services & Youthreach. These proved a huge success, 138 children between the ages of 11 to 18 years took part in the variety of activities. Delivering these activities in partnership with other agencies resulted in reaching a wider target group of children, prevented duplication of activities and also provided the opportunity of sharing resources and staff knowledge and skills.
Child & Family outings:
During 2010 several outings were organised for families / children who work closely with the Wicklow Child & Family Project. Children and parents from the Family Learning Programme went on a trip in June 2010. A family Day to Dublin Zoo in August 2010 was organised for families closely linked with the Project.
Summary:
Even though the demands on the Project have continued to increase with its developing high profile, the growing population and difficult economic times the Project has continued to provide an extremely valuable and highly respected service to families within the local community. This has only been achieved by the consistent hard work of all the staff. It has to be noted that priority is always given to families with the greatest need irrespective of geographical area.
The Wicklow Child & Family Project will continue to deliver a range of quality family support initiatives for the benefit of vulnerable families in the community; maintain and strengthen links with statutory, voluntary and community organisations and develop more effective interagency partnerships to enhance services available to children and families.
Contact Details:
Manager: Ms Christine Keegan
Phone: 0404-64725
Mobile: 0872873789
Fax: 0404-64720
E mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Opening hours: 9.30am – 1pm 2pm – 4.30pm Mon to Fri
Wicklow Child & Family Project:
Background:
The Wicklow Child & Family Project provides a community based family support service to local families in Wicklow Town and surrounding areas. This project is managed by County Wicklow Partnership and funded through the Health Service Executive.
Aims:
The Project aims to provide services and support that improve the quality of life for children and their families. We work with families to increase their capacity to provide a safe and caring environment for their children and also promote the personal and social development of children and young people and parents.
Our work is underpinned by the following values:
- quality in all that we do
- seeking always to empower our clients
- supportive and friendly in our approach
- creating a trusting environment
- working in partnership with other relevant agencies
Strategies:
- Deliver a range of quality family support services within the community.
- Continue to develop more effective inter-agency partnerships to enhance the services available to children and families within the community we serve
- Continue to develop the Wicklow Child & Family Project so that we deliver excellent services which make a difference for families from the local community
Premises:
Main office, The Mall, Wicklow Town
Parent’s room, Holy Rosary National School, Wicklow Town: The Project has use of this room 5 mornings a week to deliver the Family Learning Programme.
Staff Team:
Ms Christine Keegan - Manager
Ms Deirdre O’Sullivan – Project Worker
Ms Marilyn Leneghan – Project Worker
Ms Michelle Cox – Reception / administrator
Ms Annabelle Wright - Reception / administrator
Ms Kirsty Doyle – FLP Supervisor
Ms Doreen Byrne – FLP Assistant
Ms Roseanne Doyle - Project Support Worker - Community Employment
Front line services:
Reception / Administration & Drop In facility:
The Reception / Administration staff manages the Projects reception area ensuring that all visitors’ needs are appropriately met; that there are relevant information leaflets available to the public; that enquiries from the general public, by either phone or drop in, are dealt with sensitively. If the nature of an enquiry can not be dealt with by reception staff these are then referred on to the appropriate staff for further advice and support. Reception / Administration staff also monitor spend of the HSE core budget and additional external funding. In addition they undertake all other administrative work relevant to the day to day operations of the Project.
Overview of work undertaken:
The Wicklow Child & Family Project is involved in intensive family support work with families. Families are either referred by other agencies, or can self refer to the Project. The intensive work with families involves either family group work or one to one work with individual members. This work is carried out either at the main office or the family’s home. An addition to the intensive work offered to families is the one to one therapeutic service for families linked closely with the Project. The Project also delivers the Wicklow Family Learning Programme; this is for children of families identified through the Wicklow Child & Family Project, the National Schools and other relevant local agencies.
Intensive Family Support Work:
Referrals:
Wicklow Child & Family Project accepts referrals from agencies working with families such as; Social Workers, Schools, Public Health Nurses, Gardai, I.S.P.C.C., WAY Project, HSE disciplines and other relevant local agencies. Families can also self refer to the Project. A central aspect of any referral is the commitment by the family to engage with the service. All programmes of work with the family are by their consent and their full agreement to participate in the programme. All work undertaken is strictly confidential.
The Wicklow Child and Family Project aims to offer support to children, young people and families, in order to reduce the risk of neglect or abuse. We work with families to increase their capacity to provide a safe and caring environment for their children and also promote the personal and social development of children and young people.
The primary focus is to work intensively with children in the 0-12 year old age group and their families, but not excluding other age groups where an assessment of risk indicates that they can benefit from our support.
*Referral/self referral form can be downloaded from the website.
Work undertaken by Project Workers:
The nature of the work with the families is dependent on identified needs. Following assessment of the needs of the child, young person and his or her parents/guardian, individual and group based programmes of work are established for the family. This work can take place in either the project, family home or school. The work may involve weekly one to one meetings, home visits, accompanying clients to meetings with other agencies;
The work carried out addresses issues such as:- Parenting skills; Parent / child relationships; Relationship issues; Separation; Behavioural difficulties; Alcohol & drug dependency; Domestic abuse; Anger management; Mental health; Learning disabilities; Housing; Finance. Project staff work closely with other agencies to avoid duplication.
Therapeutic Services:
The Wicklow Child & Family Project engages three Psychotherapists on a sessional basis to deliver both individual & family therapy to the families referred / self referred to the Project.
The Project sources additional funding through the Family Support Agency, the East Coast Regional Drugs Task force and ESB Ireland Fund, the former for bereavement, child therapy, and relationship counselling; the ECRDTF for family members dealing with addiction issues and ESB Ireland for people presenting with suicidal tendencies.
The therapeutic service is a valuable and integral part of the projects work. Clients have the opportunity to make more sense of their internal and external world enabling them to live more fully and effectively. Experiencing change at a therapeutic relational level allows them to take these changes into their relationships with significant others in their lives thus promoting change.
Family Learning Pre School Programme:
The Wicklow Family Learning Programme (WFLP) is a preschool facility for children aged 3 ½ -5 years and is located in the parent’s room of the Holy Rosary National School. The WFLP is committed to promoting the development of children and their families to realise their full potential in a safe and caring environment. We aim to provide the highest possible standard of childcare for the families using our service, by helping the children to develop cognitively, socially, emotionally and physically, at their own pace through positive encouragement and caring support. We also actively encourage parental involvement in their child’s learning.
The programme has 2 qualified members of staff who implement the daily curriculum. Up to 20 children and their parents can be accommodated at this facility. Opening hours are Monday – Friday 9.30am – 12.30pm school term time.
Community Initiatives:
Kids Group:
The Kids Club is an after school initiative organised by County Wicklow Partnership in association with the Wicklow Child & Family Project and the Ballyguile, Broadlough and Hillview Community. The club caters for children between the ages of 5yrs to 8 yrs. It is held one evening a week with the age groups split into 2 separate groups. Within the club a wide range of activities and programmes are devised and implemented. The aim of the club is to develop the children’s social & cognitive skills whilst incorporating independence and more importantly fun, as well as providing some one to one attention. An example of some of the activities run are cookery, art & craft, environmental projects, sewing classes, computer skills, all of which are invaluable in the development of the children’s decision making skills.
Summer camps:
During the summer the Wicklow Child & Family Project holds a summer camp for national school age children from families linking with the Project and children identified through St Pats & Holy Rosary NS. The children are offered a wide range of activities comprising of art and crafts, sporting activities and trips. The outcomes from this activity are that the children are provided with the opportunity of accessing a summer camp; mixing with their peers from school and local community; building & strengthening relationships between staff and children and taking part in activities that may not always be readily available to the children. This initiative is part funded through the local School Completion Programme.
Joint Initiative Summer Programmes:
During the summer months outdoor pursuits & summer activities are delivered in partnership with other local agencies; WC&FP, CEART Travellers, Croi Rath Naoi CWP, WAY Youth Diversion Project, East Wicklow Youth Services & Youthreach. These prove to be a huge success every year. Children between the ages of 11 to 18 years take part in the variety of activities. Delivering these activities in partnership with other agencies results in reaching a wider target group of children, prevents duplication of activities and also provides the opportunity of sharing resources and staff knowledge and skills.
Child & Family Events:
Each year seasonal events are arranged for families & children who work closely with the Wicklow Child & Family Project, such as family day trips, Easter activities and Christmas party. Children and parents from the Family Learning Programme also attend end of term outings during the year, such as visits to children’s farms and Santa.
Summary:
Even though the demands on the Project continue to increase, with its developing high profile, the growing population in the locality and difficult economic times, the Project will continue to; provide an extremely valuable and highly respected service to families within the local community; maintain and strengthen links with statutory, voluntary and community organisations and develop more effective interagency partnerships to enhance services available to children and families.
It has to be remembered this is only achieved by the consistent hard work of all the staff.
*It has to be noted that priority is always given to families with the greatest need irrespective of geographical area.
Contact Details:
Manager: Ms Christine Keegan
Phone: (0404) 64725
Mobile: 087 2873789
Fax: (0404) 64720
Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Opening hours: 9.30am – 1pm 2pm – 4.30pm Mon to Fri
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Programmes 
