Who are the children and young people?
The children and young people who need Family Link are all living in South Gloucestershire and have a range of physical and/or learning difficulties. They come from various different home environments and diverse ethnic backgrounds. Some children will need a short break one weekend a month whilst others need more support and receive more frequent short breaks. The care the children receive is tailored to best meet their needs.
How old are the children young people?
Predominately it is school-aged children that need links either after school, at weekends or during school holidays.
Why do children and young people need Family Link?
Disabled children and young people can frequently miss out on activities and opportunities outside the home which help them to build independence from their own family as they grow up. Family Link makes it possible for children and young people to gain new experiences and new friends whilst, for their parents, it means some extra time for themselves and for any other children in the family.
What disabilities do the children and young people have?
Each child has a specific set of needs depending on their disability. Family Link provides short breaks to children with a wide range of physical and/or learning difficulties.
Children are referred to Family Link because:
- They have a condition which was diagnosed in the first few months of life which has caused a long-term disability (such as a chromosome abnormality or a child who was born very early and who is showing signs of cerebral palsy)
- Children who have had a illness which has led to a disability (for example meningitis – which can have long-term effects on hearing and learning)
- Children with behavioural difficulties associated with conditions such as autism, Aspergers Syndrome or ADHD
- Children who need a lot of extra care during the day or night – such as children who have frequent fits or who have to be tube-fed
Don't worry; you will be given detailed information on the specific needs of the child you link with and special training to manage their care whilst they stay with you.
What activities do the children and young people enjoy?
All children and young people have different likes and dislikes; you will be given an opportunity to find out about the child you are linked with. It is important that where possible you help the child or young person who stays with you to engage in activities both within your home and outside. This can be things like playing games, reading together, helping with everyday family activities, going to the park and going shopping. It can also involve other activities such as swimming, other sports, cinema trips, bowling, visits to the zoo or museums. You will learn what activities you and the child enjoys and what activities you can both manage.