Parent Support Advisors

Introduction to Service/Eligibility Criteria

The PSA service is a family support service within the context of extended Services. It is a service for families and communities focussed around schools. The service is focussed on prevention, and will provide services to children and families with differing level of need.

A 'referral' to the PSA project will be appropriate when:

1. A child/YP is showing signs of unmet need/emerging vulnerability, which is likely to/is impacting on specific outcomes, particularly related to achievement in the school setting.
2. There is evidence that these issues are significantly related to the family context and parents.
3. Presenting issues can include deteriorating attendance (not yet meeting the criteria for referral to EWS), some fixed term exclusions, deteriorating behaviour and/or other difficulties arising within school which impact on the child' ability to happily access their education entitlement.  

In these circumstances the PSA will provide appropriate support to parents to address these difficulties.

1. Services will be delivered to families within the catchments of designated PSA schools.
2. It is anticipated that the majority of work will be accessed directly through designated schools.
3. Parents will be encouraged and entitled to access the PSA service directly where appropriate.
4. Other professionals who identify a pupil in a designated school who will benefit from the service can access the service through agreed processes (as below).  

Supporting Information Required

What supporting information is required beyond the CAF Pre-assessment Checklist and the standard Children' Services Single Referral Form?

In all circumstances (with the exception of certain specified group interventions) the PSA service will require the following information to be specified on the Children' Services Single Referral Form

1. A clear definition of un-met need/emerging vulnerability is available and recorded;
2. This analysis evidences impact on specified outcomes for named child/young person;
3. The analysis demonstrates that intervention/support with parents is required to address identified issues;
4. Evidence that the PSA is not replicating other available services;
5. Evidence that a clear plan exists developed in partnership with parents.      

Where the Common Assessment Framework is in place this will be delivered through the CAF process.

Contact details

Where should referral forms and any additional information be sent?

Allerdale & Copeland
PSA Team - Area Manager
Workington Children's Centre
Moorclose Road
Workington
CA14 5BD
Tel: 01900 706144
Tel2: 01900 706145

Barrow & South Lakes
PSA Team - Area Manager
Dallington House
Abbey Road
Barrow
LA13 9AG
Tel: 01229 836059
Tel2: 01229 836057

Carlisle & Eden
PSA Team - Area Manager
Morton Park Family Centre
Wigton Road
Carlisle
CA2 6JP
Tel: 01228 601592