Referrals
Referrals are principally made by social workers, other local authority or health workers. Private and voluntary organisations supporting a family may also make a referral provided this has the sanction of the social worker. Written information can be provided for referrers, parents and children.
Referral Procedure
To make a referral, please phone Lilias Graham Trust to discuss your objectives (01786 850259). If a referral is suitable, we will confirm this with you at the time.
A family’s agreement to the referral should be sought at the earliest opportunity.
We will then ask for background information on the family – usually provided in the form of existing childcare reports.
Funding needs to be agreed before the referral is accepted.
Parents, children (if appropriate) and referrer will be invited to visit the Trust at Braendam Family House. This is an informal visit to check parents wish to proceed and understand the nature of the placement. A start date is agreed and practical arrangements are made.
The referrer (usually the social worker) is expected to become part of the Planning and Review Team by participating in the Family Agreement meeting at the start of placement and subsequent weekly Reviews.
The length of time on placement is determined by a family’s needs and is frequently reviewed. The maximum length of placement is normally agreed at the time of referral.
There is no minimum placement time.