Social Care

Some of the Syrian refugees will have significant social care needs. Making this accessible may be a high priority. Many will not understand what social services is or the role of a social worker. Helping people to understand the range of services available to them and the value of these will ensure they are more willing to engage and have a better understanding of its benefits.

Making social care accessible

  • Individuals may not understand what social services is or what a social worker does.

  • Ensure information about social care and children’s services is accessible for refugees.

  • Ensure clear referral pathways to assessment exist for those individuals in the SVPR who may have social needs.

  • Be aware of what other organisations are supporting SVPR individuals and families and the range of services they offer.

  • Make interpreting available for those with language barriers.

  • Provide a clear explanation of the purpose of the assessment and how you will inform the individual of the outcome.

Resources

The guide is intended to support commissioners and providers of social care services to work effectively with refugees and asylum seekers. It is based on the fact that refugees and asylum seekers have rights, including the right to a high quality of assessment and provision in response to their social care needs. The guide provides an overview of policy and practice relevant to asylum seekers and refugees. Social Care Institute for Excellence. Good practice in social care with refugees and asylum seekers.

The Children’s society have produced a resource for young refugee carers. It is designed to enable all service providers to stay informed about the needs, rights and entitlements of refugee and asylum seeker young carers and their families and to carry out effective and appropriate signposting and joint working.