Part time Lifelong Links coordinator - Royal Borough Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster City Council

[Jordene, FRG]

This exciting and unique role is working in two London Local Authorities, Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster City Council. The role will be to undertake Lifelong Links work with children in Kensington and Westminster, as well as promoting the approach within both authorities.

The aim of Lifelong Links is to create a lasting support network for children and young people in the care system for whom there is no plan to live within their family or be adopted. The Lifelong Links approach draws upon a combination of a family finding model, which originated in the United States and the family group conference model. The aim is to identify and engage relatives and other supportive adults, who are estranged from, or not yet known to, a child who is in the care system, especially those who are willing to make a lasting commitment to him/her.
The premise of the approach is valuing continuity and permanence of relationships (be it with relatives or others connected to the child e.g. former foster carers or teachers) that offer ongoing support, provide an explanation of historical events and reinforce identity and a sense of belonging for the young person. The Lifelong Links model includes tools and techniques for professionals to use to search for and find family members and other adults who care about the child. This network is then brought together in a family group conference (FGC) to make a life-long support plan with, and for, the young person, which should be integrated into their care and pathway plans.

For more information on the role and how to apply, please download the attached job description.