App to help vulnerable children talk about experiences

A new app has been launched to help vulnerable children talk about their experiences. SUS-161204-141608001

‘My Three Houses’ is a children’s services app which combines video, interactive animation and a drawing pad for children and offers a safe and straightforward way for professionals to speak with a child about what they are experiencing.

It has been shaped and tested by families and practitioners in West Sussex.

Peter Evans, West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member for children – start of life, said: “We have been really privileged to be one of only a handful of services to get involved in producing this new app which should have a big impact on the way we work with extremely vulnerable children.

a new app has been launched to help vulnerable children talk about their experiences. SUS-161204-141547001

“Our social care practitioners have worked with families to test the design which is much more interactive than previous tools and we are looking forward to putting it into use.”

The new app, now available for iOS and Android tablets, is based on a framework ‘The Signs of Safety’ which is being successfully used in West Sussex and has already had a positive impact on the lives of families.

Following the framework’s introduction in West Sussex in 2013 an independent parent survey was conducted, and this reported that most parents’ experience with their social worker was a positive one.

One West Sussex participant said: “In the beginning I didn’t see why I needed support as we were in a different situation from other people. Only when things changed did I realise the need for the support.”

a new app has been launched to help vulnerable children talk about their experiences. SUS-161204-141558001

A second resident said: “The social worker and the assistant came at the worst time. They took time to get to know us and from all that hurt it meant a lot to have a personal touch. They guided us and also gave us freedom to use a toolbox of ideas.”

Recruitment is currently taking place for a range of social work positions.

For more information on becoming part of the children’s social care team visit www.withyoueverystep.co.uk

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