Coronavirus (COVID-19): third sector family support - guidance summary

This guide is a summary of the varying Scottish Government guidance which is relevant to the provision of Third Sector family support during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rules and guidance on how to stay safe and help prevent the spread of COVID-19 is set out in the Coronavirus (COVID-19): staying safe and protecting others guidance.

This is not new guidance, but a helpful tool to signpost those delivering family support to the guidance that is most applicable to them (see a full list of the coronavirus guidance). It is for each organisation to decide which guidance applies to their activity and to apply it as appropriate. Guidance is being updated as the need arises, and in the event of any discrepancy between relevant guidance and legal requirements that are in force at the time, the latter requirements prevail.

The main considerations to take into account are:

• in all cases direct contact should be risk assessed and planned in advance. Employers are required by law to conduct a COVID-19 Risk Assessment which will help them to identity measures which can be implemented to reduce the risk of transmission in the workplace. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) safer businesses and workplaces guidance helps to set out the measures to reduce risk.
• regular lateral flow testing, especially before mixing with people
• wearing face coverings unless exemptions apply (children under 12 are not required to wear face coverings but may choose to do so)
• supporting staff to self-isolate if they are asked to do so by the NHS
• ventilating spaces as much as possible the Coronavirus (COVID-19) ventilation guidance can help here
• reminding people not to come to work/attend if they feel unwell or were a close contact of someone who is unwell and has yet to get the results of a PCR test
• consideration should be given to the maximum limits for indoor premises in which the activities are taking place and reasonable steps taken to manage the capacity to avoid overcrowding
• ensuring good hand hygiene and surface cleaning

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) safer businesses and workplaces provides guidance on reducing risk.

Type of family support

One-to-one support for children with a child's plan

Direct work can take place with a child and family within their own house, or within another indoor or outdoor setting, the Coronavirus (COVID-19): safe and ethical social work practice is of relevance here. Activities should only continue in agreement with the lead professional for that family. Discussions with the lead professional on minimising ‘footfall’ within households should still take place, as well as a clear understanding on how to keep both staff, volunteers and families safe and reduce the transmission risk.

One-to-one support for children without a child's plan

Direct work can take place with a child and their family when no child’s plan is in place (with the family’s consent) within their own house, or within another indoor or outdoor setting.  How and what support is to be provided should be discussed and agreed with the family and the individual carrying out a named person function e.g. a health visitor. Discussions with the family on minimising ‘footfall’ within households should take place, as well as a clear understanding on how to keep both staff, volunteers and families safe and reduce the transmission risk. The Coronavirus (COVID-19): safe and ethical social work practice and Coronavirus (COVID-19) safer businesses and workplaces  provides guidance on reducing risk.

Working with small groups of children

Organised group work as part of a plan or as part of general support can take place indoors. For example, supervised activities and services for children and young people, babies and toddlers, including those where parents remain present during the activity. Depending on the nature of this work, the: Coronavirus (COVID-19): organised activities for children and Coronavirus (COVID-19) safer businesses and workplaces provides guidance on reducing risk.

Support group work with adults of mix of children, young people and adults

Family Support, such as mental health and wellbeing support, which could involve a mix of children, young people or adults should be delivered remotely where possible, but where delivery significantly diminishes benefits compared to face to face meetings - support can be delivered in person. Those coming together for mental health and wellbeing support (including, but not limited to, carer support, group therapy, counselling, or any other support for mental illness, weight loss support, addiction support, victim support, new parent support  and bereavement support) are not restricted by household limits. This is the case whether support is professional led or peer support. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) one to one support and support groups advice and Coronavirus (COVID-19) safer businesses and workplaces provides guidance on reducing risk.