Service Description: The Family Link Scheme provides short breaks for a child with a disability or a serious, chronic medical condition. The breaks take place with a Family Link carer, usually based in their own home. Sometimes Family Link carers help to support a child in specific activities, such as Brownies or Cubs. The scheme has been very successful in providing long-term links for children. Positive relationships have developed between the child, their family and the carers and their families. Everyone benefits because the essence of Family Link is that people can share fun and activities in a normal setting. The scheme is a member of a national charity called Shared Care Network. Their web site can provide more details, please click the web link provided.
Also known as:- Fostering Service
Answer: If you wish to find out more about becoming a carer please contact: The Fostering Service, Children's Service Centre, Atkinson Drive, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 2LS. Telephone 01983 525790 Your details will be taken and information will be sent to you. If you continue to be interested a Family Worker will visit you at home to discuss Family Link further. If you wish your child to be assessed for the scheme please contact: Your child’s caseworker at the Children and Young Adults Disability Service, Oak House, Newport, Telephone 01983 525790 Or: If you do not already have a case worker in the Children and Young Adults Disability Service, please contact: The Duty Officer, Children's First Response, St James Centre, 4-5 St James Street, Newport, Isle of Wight. Telephone: 01983 814374. An assessment of your needs and those of your child will be undertaken. The decision will then be made as to whether your needs can be met through the Family Link Scheme, or whether there are other services that would be more appropriate for your family. Once it is decided to refer you to the Family Link Scheme, a worker will visit you and your child to collect the information we need to make the right match for your child. - Related Link