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When a young person first arrives at the home they will find a typical house in a residential suburb, similar to all the other houses in the area. They will see no external signs, name plaques, or anything else that might reveal the purpose of the premises. Once inside the young person shall discover a setting that they might expect to belong to a family rather than children’s home. A lounge with comfortable sofas, sky television, computer and shelves with books and games. An open kitchen which they are allowed to use, no good food is locked away, although they will have to ask for chocolate and crisps. They will be shown their own, modern-furnished, bedroom which they are encouraged to personalise. Generally the house will be clean and tidy. However, it will not be sterile and should have a lived in feel with all the bric a brac associated with teenage life. With the exception of the fire doors and a minimum of notices, there will be little to suggest an institution of any kind.
The staff team that greets the young person will be made up of a variety of ages and backgrounds, but all will be warm, informal and good-humoured. Hopefully the young person will soon realise that the staff are not ogres and are genuinely interested in their well-being, always ready to listen and offer guidance. Nevertheless, they will also learn that staff are quick to address any unacceptable behaviour and enforce boundaries. In time the young person will recognise that staff are fair and give clear explanations for their actions. They will also come to understand that staff are not judging them, do not hold grudges and will continue to be there for them however unacceptable or abusive their behaviour might be.
The young person will find a mix of other residents all with their own issues and concerns some will be affable, while others may be less so and a little circumspect around new faces. No doubt the young person will soon find a friendly resident who will make them feel welcome and introduce them to life the home. As time goes on they will almost certainly witness and become involved in disputes and confrontations with other residents. At these times they will find that staff will intervene and facilitate them in resolving their difficulties in a reasonable fashion. However, the young person will feel safe in the knowledge that any bullying or intimidation is completely unacceptable and will be dealt with immediately.
Hopefully the young person will find themselves in a warm homely nurturing environment. One in which their needs and wishes are taken seriously, where they feel safe, secure and worthwhile and where their personal development and growth is facilitated and encouraged. An environment in which they can rebuild their self-esteem and repair the damage of their past, but also one in which they will learn acceptable behaviour, how to interact with others, and the skills and qualities they will need throughout their lives.
What do our homes look like inside?
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