Informal referrals accepted: Yes
Formal referrals accepted: Yes
Referrals accepted from: Young parents, Family members, Maternity Hospitals, Schools in Finglas and Finglas School Completion programme, HSE Community Care Team – SW, PHN, CWO, HSE Primary Care Team, Finglas community based projects, Youth services in Finglas, Other agencies and professionals.
How to make a referral: Both self referrals and professional referrals are accepted all year round and once accepted to the project, they are placed on the waiting list. Where there are places available, the young parent will be offered a place on the weekly young parents group while they are awaiting individual support. This group protects against social isolation, provides peer support with creative and fun activities, advice on the different stages of pregnancy and parenting, and support with education and life skills.Professional Referrals:When a professional or agency referral is received, it is acknowledged by letter/phone call within 2 weeks and advised of the date of the next referral committee meeting. Also, an information pack is sent to the referrer which they are asked to give to the young parent or the parent to be. The referral is then placed on the waiting list.The TPSP Project Leader/Project Worker will ensure that they have met with the young parent prior to the referral committee meeting to gain consent for participation in the programme, and if they are under 18 years of age they will also gain consent of a parent/guardian. The Project Leader will also ensure that the referral form is fully completed and will seek any additional information from the referring agent as appropriate.Self Referrals:For self referrals the project staff will have an initial meeting within 4-6 weeks with the young parent and their parent/guardian if they are under 18 years of age, to assess their needs using the TPSP’s General Assessment Form. The Young Parent will also receive information on Finglas TPSP and an information pack.