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The CODA Support project was set up in 2008 through a partnership between Deaf Access, CoDPUK and Kent County Council. Deaf Access has over 12 years extensive experience of supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and adults of all ages, their families, carers, friends and professionals. Deaf Access currently have funding from The City Bridge Trust to run their busy Children & Families project covering the South East working with a diverse range of organisations and groups, they provide family advocacy, activities and support to empower families. The CODA Support pilot project covers Kent County Council and Bromley Borough. Why is CODA Support Needed? Statistics show that over 90% of all deaf parents have hearing children (CODA’s). These are families that bridge the hearing and deaf worlds, thus facing unique communication, identity, and parenting challenges. Every Child matters mean CODAs need support which embraces their unique culture and identity. CODAs are a Special Needs group; however they have still not been recognised as such by National bodies. This means they are not getting the support they vitally need. They are classed as Carers. Although there is a lot of research about the issues facing deaf children of hearing parents, little research or awareness exists about the cultural, communication and parenting issues faced within families of deaf parents with hearing children (CODA’s). For more information see ‘Links and Information’ for CODA issues and overview. PURPOSE AND CORE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. PURPOSE The purpose/s of the CODA Support Service: Pilot scheme to provide a support network of information, support and encouragement for children who are carers for their Deaf parents. The service will initially identify the hidden child carers in the Borough. Research will be done to source, clearly signpost, and advertise the services currently available and form a one stop contact specifically for CODAs (Child/ren of Deaf Adult/s). Negative impact of not providing service: Children who are unable to cope with their Deaf parent’s needs, will exhibit mental health issues and anti-social behaviour. Some are unable to fully communicate with their Deaf parents which effects every area of family life not only communication. CODA children and their Deaf parents often live in homes where music and language is limited –if at all- this often leads to a delay in language development and education issues. Deaf culture is often seen as aggressive causing people to view the CODAs as having behavioural problems or anti social behaviour. Many CODAs experience an identity crisis as they are culturally deaf and the hearing world is alien to them. CODAs and parents whose first language is Sign Language are often alienated and isolated from neighbours and local communities by the communication barriers. CODAs are often used as interpreters for their parents and this responsibility has a negative impact on the family dynamics, as well as the child’s development as they are made to grow up too quickly which affects their development and ultimately could result in family breakdowns.. Many CODA children will continue to be taken into care. 2. CORE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 2.1 The core aims and objectives are as follows
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