Invisible Lives
Launches New Service:-
Challenging Behaviour & Attitudes (CBA)
The Invisible Lives CBA service provides a whole family approach to support children (aged 8-19 years) and their families when there has been an adverse change in the child’s behaviour which may result in risk taking behaviours and/or lead to potential offending.
In order to access support the child must reside and attend mainstream education within Essex and have a parent/carer* or sibling within the Criminal Justice System (CJS) **
The service offers individual support in the family home and school for up to 8 sessions, with the potential for further support based on reviews and outcomes.
The child or young person must be exhibiting one of the following:-
Conduct Disorder e.g.
Aggressive behaviour
Disruptive behaviour
Deceitful behaviour
Violation of rules
Significant change in emotional behaviours
Additional factors can be taken into consideration when making a referral such as:-
· Child at risk of school exclusion or being excluded permanently, or on a reduced timetable as a result of family functions or family offending behaviours
· Children involved in anti-social behaviours but not yet criminalised.
· Children vulnerable and at risk due to other factors
*Significant person within the child’s live who is having a direct effect on their behaviour or home situation.
**When referring to CJS- this can include historical involvement or those currently at any stage of the CJS including arrest, court, community or imprisonment and release.
Who can refer?
All agencies working with children including:
Education (primary and secondary mainstream only)
Police
EWMHS
Social Care (CIN—subject to discussion)
Voluntary Organisations
Self-Referrals
We are able to consider referrals from Family Solutions providing the case is not open already. Please call to discuss before making a referral.
We regret that we are unable to accept referrals from Youth Offending Teams or children that are on Child Protection Plans.
**
In addition to the presenting child behaviours, the family may also be identified as having:-
Family Function causing adverse child behaviour, for example:-
· Home environment, safety, care, boundaries
· Substance misuse
· Domestic Abuse
The Parent/carer must also agree to receiving support
Invisible Lives also supports a wider range of issues and concerns other than imprisonment. We work closely with schools and other agencies to support young people at risk of hidden harms and other vulnerabilities including CSE, CE, drugs, gangs, knife crimes and youth offending. We provide early intervention and prevention programmes along with 1-1 mentoring sessions. We aim to educate, support and increase confidence and self-esteem for children and young people experiencing trauma and poor mental health and well-being as a result of their situation.
We now also to offer home, community and school support to children, young people and families affected by all the different stages of the Criminal Justice System and work closely with police team, courts, prisons and other CJS agencies and referral and joint support.
Other services provided include:
- A range of mental health and well-being services
- Support for Essex Missing programme
- Bespoke school mentoring sessions– ReFocus programme
- Courses and workshops for schools– Girls Inspired and On The Ropes
- Military Correction Training Centre family and detainee support
- Invisible Lives professionals one day training courses.
- A range of courses in prisons for staff, families and offenders
Click here for more information the service prior to Invisible Lives (Essex CAPI).
It’s an exciting time for Invisible Lives as we continue to develop new programmes and services to support and increase positive mental health and well-being in children, young people and their families. We hope you will embrace the new service and support its development.
Office: 01268 558448
Mobile: 07947219802
Email: Invisible.lives@barnardos.org.uk
Suzanne Page (Team Manager) 07807194589
Sarah Sardar (Project Worker) 07590624311
Toni Tebbs (Project Worker) 07562950879
