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: Carers attend preparation groups prior to being assessed. The assessment process is detailed and is similar to the process that foster carers undergo. References are taken up from many agencies as well as personal references and medical references. A series of interviews leads to a full report being presented to the Fostering Panel. This process is in keeping with regulations issued by the government (Fostering Services Regulations, Department of Health, [Care Standards Act, 2000, and Children Act 1989]). These regulations also govern how the process of Family Link is arranged. - Related Link