To date, there has been a lack of research evidence about the effectiveness of befriending services and little guidance about what good practice should entail.This is despite a proliferation in befriending services, their growing popularity and government recognition of their importance to families of disabled children. Key areas include; the aims of the service, publicising the service, referrals, assessment , training, matching befrienders to befriendees, support and supervision arrangements, serviceuser involvement, resources, policies, breaks and endings and evaluation.
To date, there has been a lack of research evidence about the effectiveness of befriending services and little guidance about what good practice should entail.This is despite a proliferation in befriending services, their growing popularity and government recognition of their importance to families of disabled children. Key areas include; the aims of the service, publicising the service, referrals, assessment , training, matching befrienders to befriendees, support and supervision arrangements, serviceuser involvement, resources, policies, breaks and endings and evaluation.
Subject terms:
learning disabilities, mentoring, physical disabilities, quality assurance, short break care, social care provision, supervision, user participation, volunteers, befriending schemes, children, evidence-based practice, friendship, good practice;