Service Children Support Network
Sharing best Practice to Support Service Children
About Us
The experiences of Service families are quite different from those in civilian life and, at times, these may have very significant impacts upon them. Their specific needs, and those of their children are frequently overlooked because of a lack of understanding of the pressures placed upon them and the context in which they live.
SCSN is an independent, non-profit, social enterprise. We are a group of education and welfare professionals who work collaboratively with the Service community and associated organisations to encourage and facilitate the provision of high-quality support to Service children and their families. We believe it is vital that other professionals are made aware of the challenges that can arise as a result of Service life and the potential impacts that they can have on children and their educational attainment if they are to support them effectively.
We believe it is essential that our efforts should always be directed by evidence gained from, and underpinned by, genuine and credible academic research. Where research is yet to be conducted, we endeavour to undertake it ourselves whilst also serving as a central point for other researchers to publish their findings. Where new initiatives are proposed and found to be effective we seek to share them with other professionals as examples of ‘best practice.’In support of that aim, SCSN provides high-quality bespoke training, delivered by professionals, for professionals, who work with Service Children.
Our Team
A core strength of SCSN is that every member of the team is, or was, a member of HM Forces, or a Service spouse, or a Service child themselves, or has worked directly with Service children and their families for many years.
Background
SCSN started as a local Community Support Group in Bucks and Oxon in 2008. As our reputation grew we found ourselves dealing with increasing numbers of requests for support from across the whole of the UK. In January 2011 we formalised our structure in order to meet those needs. We now provide resources, training, and support to professionals throughout the UK and through collaborative working with our colleagues overseas, are also able to support professionals working with Service children around the world.