Circle Supporting Families in Scotland SDF Conference & Projects Fair 29 th October 2014 Anna Flaherty Project Manager Joanne Mc Brearty Family Support Worker.

Circle works at the heart of deprived communities to support the most marginalised children and their families. Family support workers provide support to families in their community and in the families’ homes. AIMS “ To improve the lives of the most disadvantaged children” & “To promote children’s healthy potential and development”

As part of the Family Service Unit (FSU) we have been supporting children & their families in Scotland since 1974 The FSU foundations were built on the support provided to bombed out families during World War II. We became an independent Scottish charity in June 2006 and relaunched as Circle in March Circle maintains the ethos of FSU providing community based support to vulnerable children and their families. Our History

FAMILY SUPPORT Supporting men in their role as parent or carer OUR WORK Preventative work with families with pre-school children. Supporting families with children affected by parental alcohol use & other substances Workforce development through student learning placements & training/A:LP Social work assessments of risk to children and of family function Supporting families affected by parental imprisonment Work with lone parent’s re - employability

The Whole Family Involve the whole family in the work, including fathers, grandparents & kinship carers. Provide accessible community and home based services. Work in partnership with other local agencies. Promote and protect the best interests of children. Focus on, and build on, strengths in families. Involve families in the assessment of their needs. Our Approach Have multi- disciplinary, qualified staff who constantly update their training To be approachable, flexible and responsive. Build a trusting, honest relationship with the family Advocate & support the family in all areas of their lives

What do we achieve together? Outcomes Increased equality of opportunity for families Children live in safer, more secure and stimulating home environments Promoting safer environments through reducing the impact of crime on families and communities. Improved health and wellbeing of families. Our outcomes are in line with the GIRFEC wellbeing indicators (children are Safe, Healthy, Active, Nurtured, Achieving, Respected & Responsible, Included) Children make a positive contribution in school and in the community.

How did we get there? Individual Support Family work Group work Family activity based work Partnership working

Circle of Care

Through regular review of the work involving the children, the families and partner agencies. Through annual self-evaluation of all services involving all stake holders. Through regular external evaluation of services involving all stake holders. Evidencing Success

Circle thanks you for listening and hopes that you found the presentation helpful.