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The project will support parents from across Northern Ireland who have physical and or sensory impairments, learning difficulties or enduring mental health differences. Recent research carried out by the Norah Fry research centre has shown that approximately 50% of parents who have learning difficulties have their children removed and that this is largely due to the lack of appropriate support. Our aim is for families to stay together, provided this can be achieved without putting children at risk. Protecting the child – from physical or emotional harm and from developmental disadvantage – is always paramount.
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Situation
What we will do: The project will work alongside families with one or more disabled parents to ensure the best possible opportunities for the family by : 1) Spending time getting to know the family well, building a firm relationship from which positive progress can be made. 2) Supporting parents to develop positive relationships with those professionals they are engaged with 3) Support families to have their voice heard and to contribute actively to service, statutory and legal processes. 4) Seeking and promoting opportunities for disabled parents to gain control over their lives. 5) Identify the family’s dreams and nightmares using person centred planning whilst providing sensitive and appropriate support. 6) Using the above mentioned person centred planning process to raise parents confidence and self-esteem. 7) Facilitate the development of a circles of support, informal networks of support to enable people to overcome social isolation. 8) By using person centred and accessible approaches, enable parents to develop effective parenting skills and work towards maintaining the well-being of the family unit. 9) Enabling friends and professionals in the lives of each family member to develop effective support and communication. 10) Offer learning support in a style which is individually designed to meet the particular needs of each person. 11) Including parents fully in their life events and decisions. 12) Assisting parents to understand their current needs and possible future outcomes.