JAC seeks to continue to support those most in need during this time. We believe that the government guidelines still encourage provision for many of the children we work with: 

Vulnerable children include those who have a social worker and those children and young people up to the age of 25 with education, health and care (EHC) plans.

Those who have a social worker include children who have a child protection plan and those who are looked after by the local authority. A child may also be deemed to be vulnerable if they have been assessed as being in need or otherwise meet the definition in section 17 of the Children Act 1989.

The government also recognises that charities like ours are already working with the vulnerable young people they refer to above:

We are also asking local authorities and schools to maintain provision for children in alternative provision (AP) settings wherever possible, since many of these settings have a high proportion of children who have a social worker and EHC plans.

The AP sector therefore has a key role to play in helping safeguard this group of children at this difficult time.

We have put a raft of measures in place to ensure the safety of young people visiting us, our staff, and our animals. 

We are also wanting to continue to support children whose parents are key workers, for the definition of who qualifies as a key worker see this government advice: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/875304/240320_Revised_Guidance.pdf

If your child already attends JAC sessions and is categorised as a "vulnerable child" (has a social worker assigned or an EHCP) or one of the parents is a key worker, then click the button here to let us know you would like to arrange for sessions to continue during this period:

Pre-visit Check for Continuing Sessions

If your child hasn't previously attended JAC sessions but is categorised as a "vulnerable child" (has a social worker assigned or an EHCP), then click the button below to make a quick referral for this period:

Emergency referral during pandemic