EISS - The Early Intervention Support Service for families with children 0-18 years
The Early Intervention Support Service (EISS) operates in five areas across Northern Ireland. The service aims to support families when problems arise, before they need involvement with statutory services. The EISS delivers and coordinates person-centred, evidence-based, early intervention for families with children 0-18 years within Tier 2 of the Hardiker Model.
Why would families need the EISS?
Some families with children 0-18 years require additional support, without which they may be at risk of not reaching their full potential. The EISS offers support to families with children 0-18 years that have additional needs that cannot be met through the existing range of universal services. This additional support may relate to health, social or educational issues.
Examples of the challenges families may experience include:
- difficulties with developmental or health-related issues;
- issues at school;
- behavioural difficulties;
- emotional wellbeing;
- coping with illness or bereavement;
- family difficulties.
Preventing problems from arising or getting worse is better than dealing with them later.
What does the EISS offer?
The EISS provides a range of supports, tailored to the needs of each individual family’s specific circumstances. This is achieved through a key worker who works with the whole family, usually in their own home, using a strengths-based approach which is individually tailored to the needs and priorities identified from the whole family assessment.
The EISS works with families for a time-limited period – up to approximately 12 weeks. A range of both hands-on practical and therapeutic interventions are used, including motivational interviewing and solution-focused brief therapy.
The EISS can provide information, signpost and help families to access other services in your area.
Who can request support from the EISS?
Requests for support for the EISS are welcome from any source, provided they meet the following criteria for support:
- child or young person 0-18 years;
- child or young person resides within the EISS catchment area;
- child or young person has additional needs that cannot be met through the existing range of universal services;
- family should not currently have involvement with a safeguarding social work service;
- family should not currently have involvement with a children with disability social work service;
- child should not be attending any specialist services;
- informed consent to the request for support from the person with parental responsibility;
- informed consent to the request for support from the child or young person if 12 years of age or over.
How can I request support from the EISS?
To make a request for support please contact:
- EISS Belfast - NIACRO
Email: eissbelfast@niacro.co.uk
Tel: 028 9032 0157 - EISS Western - Action for Children
Email: weiss@actionforchildren.org.uk
Tel: 028 7134 2286 - EISS Southern – NIACRO/BOLSTER
Email: eisssouthern@niacro.co.uk
Tel: 028 3833 1168 - EISS Northern - Barnardo’s
Email: neiss@barnardos.org.uk
Tel: 028 7963 1344 - EISS South-Eastern - Barnardo’s
Email: simpsonEISS@barnardos.org.uk
Tel: 028 9127 1538
