Inspiration for Change: Information for Referrers

Inspiration for Change is a new consent based project covering all areas of North Yorkshire. We are part of North Yorkshire County Council but are independent from other teams. Our aim is to work intensely with parents who have had a child/ren permanently removed from their care to reduce the chances of further pregnancies leading to future care proceedings. We recognise this can be a difficult time for families and work with sensitivity and confidence, enabling parents to make positive change.

How is this service different to other services?

The Inspiration for Change service has been developed within NYCC based on similar successful models of services in other parts of the country. It is different from other Services because it focuses ultimately on the parent and their needs. Its aim is to focus on a pregnancy free period to enable the parents’ to make positive changes so that they are able to parent their next child successfully.

How does Inspiration for Change work?

Inspiration for change is a consent based service which is focused on the parents, We have the time to work intensively and flexibly resulting in successful positive outcomes/changes for parents’. Inspiration for Change works with parents who have had one or more child/ren permanently removed from their care. Parents will be allocated a dedicated worker, who will support them at a pace to meet their needs deciding together what changes to make.

What can we help with?

We will work together, with the parent, to create a plan individual to their specific needs.

These may include;

• Practical support: Housing needs Including homeless prevention, information on benefits and debt; Starting or returning to employment or education; practical skills; attending appointments and meetings; we can offer information, advice and support.
• Health: access to mental health support and treatment, support to access contraception and sexual health advice; drug and alcohol support; basic health needs-doctors, dentist, optician
• Relationships: help to build positive support networks; manage emotions in a healthier way; engage in healthy relationships and increase positive role models; increase in making better choices; to support their relationship with their children.
• Lifestyles: build Self-confidence; self-care skills; leisure activities and hobbies; increasing independence. Together with the parent we will look to work alongside other appropriate services as required.

Referral information

Criteria

Parents who have had one or more children permanently removed from their care and the likelihood, if they were to become pregnant would be removal. Parents should be pregnant free to enable them to have the space and time to focus on their own needs.

A referral form can be found for North Yorkshire Council referrers on sharepoint or, it can be sent directly to you by Maggie Mitchell, Inspiration for Change Manager or one of the workers in your area. Please feel free to contact us to have a chat prior to putting in a referral.