Support during court proceedings

During care proceedings parents have their own solicitor to represent them at court, however the process is still a challenging and daunting one. The Haven Project provides parents with a project worker who will offer them a range of service options, allowing the parent to select their own package of support. Options include the Haven worker:

• attending court hearings and key meetings with parents, supporting their understanding and participation in proceedings and acting as an advocate as needed;
• accompanying parents to the first and follow up meetings with specialist services to address their individual difficulties such as drug or alcohol services, mental health support services or services for those experiencing domestic abuse;
• meeting with parents regularly on a one to one basis in the community to provide emotional and practical support;
• providing prayer support;
• linking parents in to local community groups to develop their support network;
• enabling parents to attend the Haven art group.

As a Christian organisation we believe that combining practical, emotional and spiritual support can bring added benefits to the people we work with. Feedback from parents indicates that spiritual support is something that many of them value. However, all the elements of our support are optional and parents can opt out of any aspect of the service that they feel is not for them. The project will provide support to parents of any faith background or none.

At the completion of proceedings, in circumstances where children don't return home, we offer parents further support through our Next Steps service.