Our aim is to encourage, not force, young people to take this proven positive step despite any ambivalent attitude

♦    Young people in our care are encouraged to regularly see a psychotherapist to
       address development difficulties

♦    Access can be gained quickly through our established network of experienced
      and qualified therapists

♦    We have an invaluable source of support and guidance from a range of areas

♦    Every young person has a psychotherapeutic plan identified and recorded

♦    Liaison takes place between the Care Manager and Psychotherapist to enable
      effective working styles, responses and interventions within the home

Humanistic Aspect

Underpins our overall care strategy including day to day interaction

♦   Based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, paramount importance is place on safety,
     security and a sound homely environment

♦   These areas facilitate progress towards personal development and self actualisation

♦   Emphasis is placed on acceptance, being cared for and a sense of belonging whilst
     working on the development of self respect and a positive sense of personal identity

♦   We promote the notion of ownership whilst providing the opportunity for achievement

Behavioural Aspect

Behavioural interventions help break the cycle of negative patterns of behaviour

♦   Individual rules of conduct incorporate communally shared house rules

♦   Consistent rules and boundaries play a key role to psychological containment

♦   A behaviour system that breaks the day down into achievable goals

♦   Incentives and rewards include favourite activities, hobbies and pastimes

♦   The emphasis of our behaviour system will always be on the positive, but sanctions
      may be employed if incentive alone is ineffective

♦   A sound structure is important and encouraged ~ this includes education and
     identifying hobbies and pastimes to build in

Schools and Colleges

For young people who have the capability of attending school or college, we endeavour to make this transition as easy as possible.  If they are already in a suitable placement, we will continue to support them in this.

We aim to

♦   wherever possible, re-integrate students into mainstream education enabling them
     to pursue courses at local schools and colleges

♦   carry out an assessment (performed by our qualified Education Co-Ordinator)

♦   identify the best placement and liaise with the Authorities responsible and the
     identified educational establishment so this can happen as quickly as possible

♦   ensure placements that allow the young person to achieve their full potential

Our local educational establishments cater for a variety of ages and abilities and can supply various individually tailored education placements. These can vary from part time, to full time, including the National Curriculum and NVQ’s.

In-house Tuition

Our In-House Provision

♦   Making education an enjoyable and rewarding experience

♦   Rewarding positive behaviour is a main thread of the child’s education plan

♦   An individually tailored behaviour management plan provides incentives for effort, achievement
     and improved behaviour

♦   An assessment is carried out by our qualified Education Co-Ordinator

♦   It is recognised that each individual has different abilities, skills, and learning styles

♦   We design and provide a structured educational timetable that works for them in line with
     the National Curriculum

♦   Our timetables include activities that are undertaken with the local community as we firmly
     believe that integration within the community is vital for their self worth, education and
     social skills

♦   We have a team of qualified tutors, led by our Education Co-ordinator who teach and
     oversee all the educational needs of the young people, provide ongoing assessments,
     reports and liaisons with all relevant parties.

♦   Our in house students are able to undertake their GCSE’s at local examination centres
     or work towards other recognised awards.

We firmly believe that in order for a smooth transition into independence to happen residents need to be equipped with in depth knowledge in this area.  Our life skills package, which is taught by our experienced and trained staff and tutors, is tailored around all aspects of independent living.  This provides them with the necessary knowledge and gives them the best chances for moving on.  The package includes:

Personal Interests

Developing the interests and talents of young people

At Southern Adolescent Care Services, we strive to encourage residents to identify and develop the interests and talents that they have. We will incorporate these interests into their education plan as well as ensuring they have access to any community venues that specialise in their favoured talent.

Below are only some of the examples of interests that young people have become involved in: