Children’s Fund Medway

Background

Young carer was at risk of being excluded from school due to bad behaviour. His father has been in prison and is in and out  of young carer's life. Mother has had major surgery and is not very well at times.

Approach 

Supported young carer & parent to attend meetings at school re behaviour. Offered and provided 1:1 support to let young carer offload emotions & worries. Support given to the parent over the phone on several occasions.

Outcome 

Young carer's behaviour has improved and is no longer at risk of being excluded from school. Parent has become more child focussed. Educational psychologist now involved after our intervention. Also referral to Education Welfare Officer. Young carer has been referred to GP & Paediatrician to explore use of medication for behavioural problems.

Quotes

Young carer: “Thanks for taking the time to come all this way [rural] just for me.”

Parent: “I don't think I would have coped without your support.”

Estimated savings to statutory services as a result of intervention

Cost of transferring young carer to another school.

Case Study 2

Background

We have been involved with this young carer since 2003, providing support and activities. She cares for her Grandmother and lives with her.  Grandmother has severe arthritis and needs help.  

Approach

In the time we have worked with this family several attempts have been made by the project to refer this young carer to Social Services, with the family's permission. Then late last year a family member returned home and the situation deteriorated. The whole family was under threat of money being stolen and verbal aggression and the young carer was physically assaulted through this member of the family being a drug user.  It was only after the assaults had been made on her that the police became involved and Social Services' CAST team have now been involved with the family. The perpetrator of the assaults will be going to court, with evidence of involvement from the Medway Carers Centre.

Outcome

Now the perpetrator has been made to leave the family home the young carer has become more settled and the person she cares for is also more settled and the family are not under threat.

Quotes

Grandmother: "I am so glad that you (Medway Carers Centre) and the Children’s Fund have been involved with us as a family. If it wasn't for you we would have had many more problems."