The Bromley Children Project (BCP) aims to support families by providing a Family Support and Parenting Practitioner (FSPP) for 4 months to help manage life confidently.
This handy guide spills the beans on just how we can best work together, championing feedback for topnotch services that ensure the best support for children and families!
Rachel Dunley - Head of Service
(Sending positive energy your way!)
Your Agreement
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
Your expectation of us is that your Family Support and Parenting Practitioner (FSPP) WILL...
See you regularly, typically every 2-3 weeks based on your family's needs.
Be professional, non-judgemental and respectful at all times.
Not use discriminative or offensive language/ behaviours.
Support your family by being open, trying new approaches, and making sustainable changes.
Deliver on their promises.
Remain child focused in all work.
We will provide useful info, including details about CFC activities.
YOUR COMMITMENT TO US
Our expectation is that you and your family WILL
Work with your FSPP for up to 4 months, and in rare circumstances this could be extended.
Treat your FSPP with respect.
Consider and act on beneficial advice for your family, explaining why some advice may not help to explore alternative options.
Not use discriminative or offensive language/ behaviours.
Remain child focused.
Commit to meetings with your FSPP.
Carry out the tasks you agree to do as part of your family’ s plan.
Forms
Data Protection
The General Data Protection Regulation (GPDR) scheme came into force in 2018. It's a law about data protection and privacy and addresses the usage and storage of personal data.
There are 2 forms to complete at your initial appointment with your FSPP
#1 Registration Form
Everyone using our service has to be registered. This requires you to complete a form which asks for a few personal details.
The information you supply is then added to our secure database (EISI) and the registration form then shredded. It's not passed to any other external agency unless required to do so by law.
Once completed, you'll have access to our 6 Children and Family Centres (CFCs).
#2 Privacy Notice
We need to ensure that you are happy with whom information is shared and we do this with our Privacy Notice which is on the reverse of the Registration form.
It is really important that you let us know how you want us to contact you as if you do not, for example, select ‘text message ’ , we are unable to text you. We cannot guarantee to send out letters in the post for all activities, but you can pick more than one contact method.
Your FSPP will use your information to contact you. However, our Children and Family Centres won ’t be able to text etc., if you haven’t ticked that box.
The Assessment
The first appointment with your FSPP is introductory, whilst the second kick starts the assessment! This session covers various life aspects (including family, relationships, health, your child's education etc..). Being open and honest really does help shape the support we can offer (it can take a couple of hours!)
We’ll ask you to consider how the challenges in your life could be impacting your child or children. Once the assessment is finished and approved by you, together we ’ll create a plan outlining your goals for our time together.
It is common practice for FSPPs to chat with all family members, including children, during assessments. Additionally, they may conduct individual sessions with each family member to provide tailored support.
Just remember, in order for us to assist you and your family effectively, it's really important that you trust us and openly express your true feelings. We’ re here to listen without judgement, ask questions, provide guidance, and encourage you to explore options that will support the changes you believe are necessary.
ACEs (AdverseChildhoodExperiences)
As part of our work, we feel it is important that we recognise the story held by each family. In some of our stories we might have faced ‘Adverse Childhood Experiences’ , commonly referred to as ACEs.
These are things which happen during childhood, either one incident or issues taking place over time, which can potentially have a lasting impact into adulthood and affect mental and physical health as well as educational and social outcomes.
Through our work the FSPPs will be mindful and make note of any ACEs which come up as you tell us your story, alongside ‘Resilience Factors’ which are factors which help us overcome some of the adverse experiences (e.g. you may have grown up with domestic abuse in the home, or with an absent parent but found support through a local club, school, family member or friends).
This short animated film has been developed to raise awareness of ACEs
It is important we are aware of any ACEs and also any Resilience Factors that parents may have experienced, or that children are currently experiencing to help us better meet the needs of families and identify with you the key areas of support that could be put in place to help you achieve your ambitions for your family, we call this “sustained and significant change”.
More information about ACEs can be found here or scan the QR code:
See ‘Forms’ section of this booklet for more information about how we store your data and our confidentiality policy.
Our Safeguarding Responsibilites
The safety of all children is central to the Bromley Children Project. In our work and in all our Children and Family Centres, we create and foster an environment in which children are safe, respected and valued.
Child protection is a very sensitive issue and it raises many questions and a range of emotions. If we are concerned that a child may be at risk, we must follow our procedures. Our policy is designed to keep children safe and as such, all staff and volunteers have a duty to report any obvious or suspected abuse or neglect, even when this is difficult.
We aim to always deal with this safely and supportively. We know as parents you too would want your children’ s safety to be our first concern and we hope you understand that whilst this responsibility can be difficult for some staff, they are acting in your children’ s best interests. We will do everything we can to support you in your role as parents and carers. In almost all circumstances, we will discuss our concerns with parents and tell you if we feel it is necessary to refer our concerns to Children’ s Social Care in order for additional support to be offered to keep your children safe.
Parenting Courses and online Seminars
Our Children and Family Centres
Our Children and Family Centres are bursting with fantastic activities that cater to all aspects of life. Why not swing by and talk to our friendly staff. Don’t forget, our online timetables are available here! Let the fun times roll!
We offer a wide range of courses and activities at our Children and Family Centres and they are all FREE to our families. Additionally, as you are currently working with a FSPP, you are offered priority places on courses and activities.
“ my FSPP is wonderful, so lovely and really good at her job. She made me feel be tter and I can now cope better"
My FSPP was a wonderfulgirl, she helped me andguided me throughto the point where I felt I can take control of my life
She was amazing! 10/10 satisfied with help. We now know how to keep the family going forward. My FSPP should train more people to be like her!
Assessing our service plays a crucial role in providing families with the best possible experience.
We aim to involve parents in shaping our service, and we achieve this through various methods:
Collecting comments from parents and carers attending our Learn and Play sessions.
Speaking with parents and carers at our Parent Forums.
Complaints, Compliments and Suggestions Procedure.
Asking for feedback during course attendance.
Asking parents and carers to complete an evaluation form at the end of a course.
This may include the Team Manager of your FSPP checking in with you to discuss your experience and feedback. We will reach out again for a brief update once your support has come to an end.