Links
Links Avenue is established
in partnership with Sefton Children, Schools and Families Department to
provide a bespoke service for two specific individuals, however, in the
event that this may change in the future this Statement is written in
a more general tone. The home provides residential accommodation for two
children aged fourteen years at the time of their admission.
The accommodation is appropriate for both young people, who have a learning disability, who benefit from a homely environment that at the same time provides stability and structure. Typically both young people have in the past exhibited a range of behavioural problems, which may be linked to developmental delay, inappropriate parenting and ongoing trauma.
The home has been very successful in minimising negative behaviour by both of the residents and is working to maximise their adult life chances by providing a stimulating lifestyle and developing their independence skills to the full. By working closely with the young people's school it has been possible to provide Care Plans that have built on the young peoples capability and have proved to be very effective in encouraging growth and development.
Admissions to the Home
This particular model of care is appropriate to many individuals with complex behaviour and needs, Family Care Associates are in a position to discuss any potential cases that may benefit from this tailor-made solution to care planning. By working in partnership with social care, education and in some cases housing departments, it is possible to develop creative care packages that work towards reducing the input that may be required when young people reach adulthood. Where possible admissions will therefore follow a clearly defined procedure, which will include:· An assessment of the referred child's needs in line with their Care Plan, Statutory Core Assessment based on the Framework of Assessment criteria, Individual Education Plan/Statement of Educational Need (where appropriate) and Personal Education Plan.· Consideration of the probable peer group dynamic, including discussion with current residents in order to better match the referred child.· Ideally the child wanting to come to the home or at least a willingness to try out the opportunities available to them via the placement.·
A full Health and Safety Risk Assessment in relation to the child's needs and behaviour, the staffing configuration, the environment and the model of care and education. Thereby children referred will only be offered a placement after careful consideration of their needs and difficulties and the possible impact of these upon resident children. Where possible, arrangements will be made for the Registered Manager and Key Worker to visit the child in their current placement, in order to get to know them a little, answer any questions they may have and with the child's Social Worker, identify initial issues that are relevant in order for the placement to proceed.A planned introduction process should then follow, with the child, social worker and family (if appropriate) visiting the unit. Resident children will be encouraged to be involved in the preparation for new arrivals and to ask any questions or express any concerns they may have about the process.
