Kibble, a national care provider for children and young people in Scotland, has been appointed as the facilitator of a new Scottish Government funded service designed to provide support to those who have experienced criminal activity.
The programme, named SAFE Service, has been launched to give children, young people and their families access to free care and guidance after experiencing a crime whether as a witness or a victim.
Run by a team of clinical psychologists and systemic family psychotherapists at Kibble, the new service looks to provide therapeutic care to individuals and their families across Scotland following involvement in crimes including, but not restricted to, domestic violence, street crime and abuse.
The service also acts as an advocate for the child or young person, helping them share their voice and views in all areas, including supporting them through court and prosecution proceedings.
In addition, Kibble is providing systemic and psychological advice and consultation to professionals who support victims or witnesses, for example social workers, teachers and the third sector, as it shares expertise in trauma and mental health to work together on a care plan for the individual.
The charity also hopes to work with other support services to uncover partnerships and provide training where required.
The free service is available to access online or face to face, depending on the needs and preferences of the young person and family. Face to face services can be offered in the family home, at the Safe Service located at Kibble’s Paisley base or within the community.
Jim Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer at Kibble, said: “We are acutely aware of the need for a comprehensive and rounded support service for children and young people across Scotland which is why we are proud to have been awarded funding for the SAFE Service.
“Young people who have experienced or witnessed criminal activity should have an open door to support services but we know that is not always the case. The SAFE Service will look to help fill that void and allow young people – and professionals – easy access to industry leading support and guidance that is tailored to the needs of the individual.”
Children and young people aged between five – 25 can access the service through a referral programme. Additionally, professionals can access the service and receive bespoke support and training in order to support young people in their care more fully.
The programme has been funded by the Scottish Government Victim Centred Approach Fund for an initial period of three years.
Justice Secretary Keith Brown said: “The Scottish Government’s Victim Centred Approach Fund delivers a key Programme for Government commitment to ensure victims’ rights are at the heart of the justice system and to improve the advice, information and support available to them.
“Every child victim or witness has the right to consistent and holistic support, to access specialist services and to recover from their experiences.
“SAFE Service continues to build on work already underway to improve the lives of children, young people, adults and families have access to the trauma-informed support they need to avoid the risk of further trauma and more serious long-term consequences.”
Those concerned about a young person and would like to make a referral to the SAFE service should email safe@kibble.org or call 0141 471 1850. Likewise, referral forms can be accessed on https://www.kibble.org/safe-children-and-family-support-after-crime.
Headline photo: Jim Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer at Kibble