NEWPIN Referral Procedure

This information has been compiled to provide guidelines for individuals making referrals to NEWPIN

NEWPIN offers parents and child a unique opportunity to achieve positive changes in their lives and relationships based on principles of:

Respect, Support, Equality and Empathy

Referral Process

NEWPIN is a support network which aims to improve the mental health of parents and alleviate maternal depression.  NEWPIN prevents child hurt and breaks the cyclical pattern of destructive family behaviour.  NEWPIN provides one-to-one and group support in a safe and non-threatening environment where the equal rights of both parent and child are respected.

Who can make referrals?

• Parents and main carers can refer themselves.

• Parents can be referred by current NEWPIN members.

• Families can be referred by Health and Community Service Professionals, including:

• Health Workers
• Social Workers
• GPs
• Psychologists
• Non-Government/Government Agencies
• Schools/Pre-schools

The Referral Process

The referrer should complete a NEWPIN Referral Form with the parent wishing to be referred.  These forms are available through our centres or ?online and downloaded.  The completed form should then be returned by mail or fax to the appropriate NEWPIN centre.

The Centre Coordinator will then contact the family directly to arrange a suitable time to visit the parent for a Pre-NEWPIN chat.

Criteria for Referral

Each parent referred to NEWPIN should:

• Be a main carer of a child or children
• Be pregnant or have at least one pre-school child who can attend NEWPIN with them
• Be able to attend NEWPIN a minimum of twice weekly
• Not be returning to full-time work or moving out of the area in the foreseeable future
• Have recognisable parent/child relationship difficulties.

Transport will be available at request.  Parents will need to understand that we can only give them a time within half an hour of being picked up as we may have other parents to collect.

It is very important that the person being referred is aware of the commitment involved and that group work is an integral part of the NEWPIN process.

Please contact your local NEWPIN centre if you are unsure about a referral or require any further information.