Making Referrals to Home-Start Doncaster
Who can make referrals?
Families can refer themselves, or be referred to Home-Start Doncaster by any agency, e.g. health visitor, social worker, family support worker, GP, Community Practice Nurse, Children's Centres, schools etc.
How do I make a referral?
Before sending in a Referral Form the family must be consulted and be in agreement that Home-Start support is required. For each referral made, a Referral Form (click to download current form) needs to be completed and forwarded to Home-Start Doncaster. An acknowledgement will be sent by return. A Co-ordinator will then arrange to make an initial visit to the family before a volunteer is placed.
Do you have a waiting list?
Home-Start Doncaster aims to provide support to families as soon as possible. However, there are many families in need of our unique support and, depending on the family's needs and the availability of a suitable volunteer, the matching process can take up to two months. On occasion a family may be waiting longer than this but the family and referrer will be kept informed of the situation.
How long is support offered for?
Volunteers provide continuous, regular support for a period of time consistent with a family's needs. These are assessed initially and reviewed periodically. Normally volunteers will visit for two to three hours once a week. Home-Start Doncaster's aim is to encourage families towards independence so that the volunteer is no longer needed. The review process will determine how long the volunteer's support is likely to be needed and clear plans will be made for ending the support in discussion with the volunteer and family.
Managing Referrals Policy
Home-Start Doncaster is committed to providing a safe, efficient and responsive service to local families with at least one child under five. Referrals are accepted with the consent of the family. The range of referrals or self-referrals accepted is not limited, except where the resources available are not adequate to meet the number or complexity of cases. Waiting times are carefully managed and referrers and families are kept informed.