Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect when I contact Geeza Break?
Geeza Break is a voluntary organisation that aims to provide positive support to parents and a high quality childcare service. To achieve this we have standards that are applied in delivering our service. These standards apply to all employees and volunteers within the organisation:
- Children and families are treated as individuals, recognizing individual needs
- All employees and volunteers are non-judgmental and approachable
- Parents are involved in planning, reviewing and concluding the respite service
- Parents are given accurate information about the services we provide, referral criteria and waiting list
- Families are informed about any changes or cancellation of respite as soon as this is known
- All employees and volunteers will work in partnership with parents to benefit the welfare of children
- All policies and procedures will be adhered to including procedures that promote the protection of children
- All children and parents will be treated equally and with dignity and respect
How can I make a referral?
The referral criteria for service is:
- Families who live within the East End of Glasgow
- Families who have no other reliable family or community support
- Parents of children aged birth to 16 years
- Families who would be vulnerable if respite services were not available
- Families who are referred by a funding agency
Referrals can be made directly to Geeza Break by the parent or another agency acting on behalf of the parent. When the referral is received, Project Staff will be happy to discuss eligibility for the service.
What kind of circumstances can you help with?
There are many reasons why families need respite support. For example, if you want to attend a community meeting or support group, but have no-one who can look after the children to allow you attend. Or you may be struggling as a single parent to cope with the daily demands of the children and just need a break from the usual routine. We can also offer support if you or your child has a disability. Each referral is assessed individually by Project Staff and families will be told if they meet the referral criteria.
What information will I need to share?
In order that we can fully assess each family’s circumstances, we need to know why you think you need our service. All information is treated in the strictest confidence within the project and will only be used to ensure you receive the service appropriate to your needs. If, however, we have any childcare concerns, we are required to pass this information on to the appropriate agency.
To ensure that we meet the needs of your child we will need personal information about your child’s daily routine, e.g. what time they go to bed, food allergies, medical conditions etc. This information will be gathered at the introduction meeting with the respite provider. As a parent you will be able to ask questions about the care being offered. As far as possible we will try to carry on the family’s usual routine to minimize disruption.
Do you share my information with any other agency?
Geeza Break has a confidentiality policy that is strictly enforced. Families do not need to have involvement with other agencies to access our service and self referrals are always encouraged. Sometimes however families are already working with another agency; for example a Health Visitor or a Social Worker who are likely to be aware of their circumstances. It is important that all agencies work together to make sure that you and your family receive all the support you need.
We always encourage families to inform other agencies of their involvement with Geeza Break. This means we can all work together to offer appropriate support to you and your family. If there is no other involvement with other agencies we will not share your information with another agency without your permission, unless we have childcare concerns that need to be addressed.
Do you have an allocations policy?
Families must meet our referral criteria and the urgency of their circumstances will determine how quickly we can respond. Unlike other childcare services we do not have a maximum or minimum number of children that can be cared for. The availability of sessional and volunteer respite providers, individual needs of families and funding allocations will determine the response time, frequency and duration of services offered.
How do I know my child is being well cared for?
We aim to provide a high quality service to children and families at all times. Project Staff monitor the service through feedback from service users and respite providers, ongoing assessment of respite providers and review meetings.
All Respite Providers within the organisation must go through our rigorous recruitment procedure which involves:
- An Enhanced Disclosure Scotland check
- Social work checks
- Medical reference check
- Two personal references
- Six week induction/training package
Geeza Break has written policies and procedures in place covering:
- Appointment, vetting and assessment of Respite Providers
- Referral procedures and how we coordinate respite placements
- Child Protection
- Behaviour Management
- Health and Safety
- Confidentiality
- Complaints
A copy of the Policies and Procedures Manual is available to all interested parties on request.
All of our respite services are registered by the Care
Commission who has a duty to inspect all premises
and/ or agencies providing care. Geeza Break works with the Care Commission to ensure we meet all
regulations and legal requirements.
As part of our monitoring systems Respite Providers
must attend supervision and training sessions
organised by Project Staff. These sessions allow
Geeza Break to identify individual staff training
needs and personal development.
As part of our monitoring systems, Respite Providers
must attend supervision and training sessions
organised by project staff. These sessions allow
Geeza Break to identify individual staff training
needs and personal development.
All services mentioned are fully covered for
insurance purposes.
What happens after the service is offered?
As the service offered is short term, Project Staff will review the service on a regular basis. This involves a meeting with the parent, respite provider and Project Worker to discuss how the respite is going, address any problems that may have arisen, identify progress, and assess need for continued respite support. The meetings usually take place before or after a respite session to avoid excessive meetings.
For some families their circumstances may mean that respite will be a longer term arrangement. For example where a child or parent has a disability. At the initial meeting parents will be informed if the service will be offered on a longer term basis. In these circumstances, reviews will still feature however will also include an assessment to ensure the individual needs of the child continues to be met.
The dates for the Review Meetings will depend on the frequency of the service and the length of service provided. Dates vary from 6 weekly reviews to 12 weekly. You will always be informed in advance of the review date and times will be arranged to suit everyone involved.
If it is decided at the Review Meeting that respite is no longer required, Geeza Break will attempt to conclude the service positively for the family and respite provider.
How can I become involved in the service?
As a voluntary organisation the service is managed by a local Management Committee. We are always keen to recruit local people who are interested in providing positive support to parents. The Management Committee has overall responsibility for developing policies and procedures, recruitment and employment of Project Staff and Financial Procedures. If you would like to help shape the respite service by joining the Management Committee, please contact the Project Leader or Chairperson. Your views and comments are always welcome and can also be made by completing evaluation forms and Comments, Suggestions and Complaints Forms. Issues raised through this Forum are discussed at Management Committee level.
Is there other information to be aware of?
It is your responsibility as a parent to inform Project Staff of any changes in your circumstances that could affect your eligibility or appropriateness for respite. You will also be expected to contact Project Staff as soon as possible if you do not require respite. If two sessions of respite are cancelled by the parent, we may have to review the service.
What happens if I am unhappy about the service I receive?
In the first instance you should speak to the Project Worker who is dealing with your respite. Any complaints or comments about the service must be brought to the attention of the Senior Project Worker and/or the Project Leader. We have forms available that can be completed to highlight the complaint. All complaints or comments are taken seriously by the organisation and we will always make enquires to attempt to resolve the issue. If you are unhappy with the outcome, a further complaint can be made directly to the Project Leader and/or Management Committee. Further details about our Complaints Procedure is available by contacting the office.
As the service is registered with the Care Commission, you may also contact the Care Commission to make any comment or complaint at: The Care Commission, Central West Region, Paisley Piazza, Smithshills Street, Paisley PA1 1DD. Tel: 0141 843 4230
|
