Fife children’s project praised

A Fife initative that aims to improve the outcome for vulnerable children and young people has been praised by councillors.The Springfield Project was set up in September 2006 and is run in partnership by Fife Council Social Work Service and NHS Fife.

The project was established to provide an increased and more coordinated provision of therapeutic services for young people who are cared for and accommodated in Fife.
 
Sheila Addison, project co-ordinator of the Springfield Project, said in a statement: “The Springfield Project is unique in Scotland. It takes a multi-agency approach to support very vulnerable children and young people.

“The project provides specialist consultation to foster carers, residential care workers and other agencies and develops and delivers a programme of specialist training too.” 
 
She added: “Children referred often have complex emotional and behavioural difficulties, frequently stemming from early experiences of neglect and abuse.

“Specialist assessment and therapeutic interventions for children and young people, such as play or art therapy, psychotherapy and psychology based approaches are provided.

“Research shows that the `chemistry’ or `fit’ between carer and child is of key importance to the success of placements. Relationship building is therefore at the heart of the Springfield Project’s work”.
 
Councillor Tim Brett said: “As well as helping to meet the long term needs of our most vulnerable children the Springfield Project provides support for foster carers, residential care staff and the key agencies involved in the care of the child.”