Family support

We believe it is in the best interests of many children to be supported at home rather than face the prospect of a number of care episodes.

This service, made possible through grant donations, is available via social services throughout Greater London for

• young people facing problems at home and the real possibility of a period in care
• young people in residential care who are likely to return home
• young people who are back home and need help to consolidate their return to family life.

We work with young people and their families to

• tailor a response to the needs of individual families
• strengthen communication and relationships within families
• find long-term solutions to the underlying problems they face
• offer links to other organisations that may be of benefit to individuals or the whole family.

The effect of families being separated cannot be underestimated. Our support is crucial at this time for both the young person and their family.

This project was piloted at the London Refuge and significantly reduced repeated incidences of children running away from home.

We now also take referrals from local authorities to work in a preventive way with families where young people are at risk of either being ‘looked after’ by the local authority, or are becoming involved in youth offending.

In a further expansion of the service, we can now also offer support to foster carers from St Christopher’s Fostering service.

For more information, please call 0208 780 7800.

What can family support do for me?

If you are interested in commissioning St Christopher’s services, call 0208 780 7800 and ask for Development - or click here