Children’s Fund Medway

Background

This particular case has been held within the team for a while now, even before duty was in place. The family consists of a single mum and three children - two of the children who are twins and the youngest are severely autistic. There are some extended family who have helped out in the past but this is limited as the twins needs are so great.

Approach 

There has been a package of care in place for some time but the weekends have proved difficult as there is no school and mum has no time for the older sibling as the care is constant for the twins as they both need to be closely supervised at all times. Saturday Club has been offered to the twins.

Outcome 

This has made a great difference to the whole family as mum now has time and space for not only herself but also has time to give to the older sibling. Both children have 1:1 support whilst at Parklands and they both go out into the community, either to the shops or the park - they  have even been on a bus. Both twins initially would come into the centre and items of equipment  would be broken and they would run around the building screaming. However, this has now lessened considerably and they sit at the table for a drink and they will now sit and do an activity for a very short period of time. The major breakthrough is around one of the twins recently signing please!

Quotes

Tea with other parents socialising. Drop in sessions appreciated. Liked riding bikes and the soft play area. Meeting other parents.

Estimated savings to statutory services as a result of intervention