CWD bannerThe Behaviour and Family Support Team

The team provides, support, practical advice and behavioural management advice and strategies to support families who have a disabled child with:

  • challenging behaviours (such as aggression, self harm, tantrums, non-compliance)
  • emotional problems (such as anxiety, depression, phobias and anger)
  • language and communication issues that cause behaviour problems or affect emotional wellbeing
  • sensory processing needs
  • difficulties with sleep, toilet and eating issues
  • issues relating to adolescence

The team also provide training and consultation to staff, carers and professionals in relation to the above issues.

This community-based team provide assessments, intervention work, consultation, support and practical advice regarding children with learning disabilities who have emotional, behavioural or mental health problems and their families. These services are also offered to their families and carers. The team will see children who are resident in the borough up to their 18th birthday.


What do we do?

Intervention work, including:

  • behavioural management advice (for the home or school and other settings)
  • advice on strategies around communication related to presenting problems
  • occupational therapy and advice on strategies regarding sensory processing problems
  • emotional and practical support to child and their family
  • liaison and consultation with other services involved

Assessments are provided for the following:

  • challenging behaviours (including aggression, self harm, sleep, toilet and eating problems)
  • emotional problems like anxiety, depression and phobias
  • language and communicatory issues
  • sensory issues
  • family and social aspects
  • care or respite needs

How do we help ?

After being approached for help, the team will invite the child and the parents or carers to meet with staff to try and reach an understanding of the nature of the child’s difficulties. The team will discuss ways that we can help you and your child, and will agree a treatment plan with you. Different members of the team might be involved, depending on the needs and difficulties of the child. They may also liaise with other support agencies or teams and will, where appropriate, work in partnership in order to achieve the best possible outcome. The initial meeting would often be followed up by observations within the home and school setting (and other settings if appropriate). Follow-up meetings will then take place at the team base or in the family home, depending on what seems most helpful. Any information you provide remains confidential within the service. Your privacy, religious and cultural beliefs will be respected at all times. Interpreters can be provided for families who do not speak English as their first language.


The service is for:

A child with a disability between the age of 5 and 18 who is substantially adversely affected in their ability to carry out normal day to day activities.


Assessment

The BFST will contact the family and arrange a time to make an initial assessment.


How to make contact

You can contact the team to request help by telephone or letter. Parents and professionals are welcome to contact the team directly. Referrals by professionals are made by phone or by completing a referral form available from the from the Behaviour and Family Support Team.

The Behaviour and Family Support Team is not an emergency service, but is available for advice and consultation during normal working hours. An initial appointment is usually offered within a month of receiving a referral, although we will do our best to respond more quickly when the need is urgent.