Pathfinder Pilot

In June, RMC launched a new pilot project in Walsall, commissioned by Children’s Social Services. It is based within the West Locality of the burrow and provides support to families through the Family Help Mentoring and Advocacy programme. Vulnerable families who may have lost trust in statutory services are able to access this service via multiple referral routes.  Our aim is to re-engage them through positive family activities within their local community and beyond.

Who can get help

Families with children who are having difficulties trussing the social care system can access our bespoke mentoring programme and those who need help navigating Child protection meetings and who want ot ensure their voices are heard by professionals around the table can request being referred to our advocacy provision. 

Support provided

Advocacy:

  • As part of the advocacy programme, we support families before, during, and after Child Protection meetings to ensure that both parents’ and children’s voices are heard and that they have a better understanding of the processes involved.
  • We will explain the process and everyone’s roles before the meetings, go through the paperwork ensuring everyone has an understanding of what, who and why they need to be present.
  • We can also offer a visit to the meeting venue beforehand so that families become more comfortable with their surroundings.
Mentoring:
  • Our mentoring programme is a bespoke and individualised intervention that will focus on the families’ strengths and particular goals they wish to achieve.
  • As part of the programme our dedicated mentors meet families regularly and do activates together. This can be anywhere locally to them in a park, library, community setting or within the home. 

How to access the support:

Families will be referred into the service via their local Family Hub, a Social worker or self referral.