North East Care Services

                                                 

North East Care Services commitment to the young people is borne out in our working practice of showing an interest in them as individuals, believing in the young person by being unwavering in our support of them throughout the process of the transition from a care setting into new found independence in the community. Our team of skilled workers understand that young people who have lacked stability can be very challenging to engage, they may be uneasy about developing relationships that they fear may not be long lasting and it will take time and perseverance from our team of staff to gain their trust. In successfully engaging and supporting care leavers, the skills and personal attributes of our staff are highly significant. We expect our staff to: show respect and understanding, be non-judgemental, respond to issues in a personal way, and show that they are committed.

 

A flexible, tailored and individual approach is always needed when working with vulnerable young people, particularly those with experience of the care system.

We are resilient, work with young people to show that we understand the issues they are facing and are motivated not to give up. By acknowledging that young people are central to the planning processes which shape their lives, and ultimately direct their futures, we aim to provide a learning environment within a safe setting and this is supported by beliefs that if young people are to gain self-esteem and build confidence, then they should be involved in the development of the individual support they receive.

 

We encourage young people to participate in decisions about their life, we support them by providing new opportunities and ways of looking at lifestyle choices and options through new experiences, and by acknowledging a young person’s right to take risks in a carefully supported and assisted manner.

 

Our Three Stage Programme of Independence allows us to work with a young person at a pace they are able to commit to and this further allows us to assess their true level of life skills. At all times, safeguarding issues are at the heart of our three-stage independence programme of support.

 

Stage 1. The Transitional / Adjustment Stage:

A period of transition where we acknowledge that many, if not all, young people will experiment with their newly found independence. A crucial time for staff to provide their support, guidance and understanding and a time to assess, through interactions with young people and observation, behaviours, such as: risk taking, actual level of life skills, personal coping mechanisms, social networks, level of commitment to work with staff and their willingness to engage in education, training and employment. From this information, we will establish collaboratively with a young person and other professionals a personal programme of support. Internal Pathway Support Plan - a pathway to guide them closer to successful and safe independence in the community, ultimately to meet the goals of the LA Pathway Plan.

 

Stage 2. Building a culture of independence and resilience:

Delivery of the IPSP, regular review and updates to ensure that at all times the IPSP is current and reflects the degree of support required. Guidance and support is provided by all staff members to assist each young person in achieving their goals as set out in the IPSP. In order to ensure the IPSP is current and updated regularly a lead member of staff is in place for each young person, they will ensure that all parties involved, including the young person, are informed of progress or where differing levels or types of support are needed. This document and all significant information is readily available to young people, social workers and or personal advisors.

 

Stage 3. Preparing to succeed:

Prior to leaving the supported living setting a decrease in support will be offered after a collaborative plan has been discussed and agreed by all involved, including the young person and the social worker. The plan will set timescales, working at the correct pace for the young person. All plans with be monitored throughout the process making adjustments where needed to guide the young person to overall succeed independently. This stage in our process allows us to explore alongside the young person both their practical and emotional ability for independent living. 

 

 

Group Living and Solo homes

Our homes provide a caring setting for both sexes between the ages of 16 – 18. Young people will have 24-hour support, provided by qualified and experienced staff, who can offer individual support relevant to their needs. We offer both long- and short-term packages along with after care support where needed. We have homes situated in York and surrounding areas and each home offers services for up to 2 young people, which ensures we can meet their individual needs are all times. Each young person will have their own double or single room containing a bed, wardrobe, dressing table / drawers and a TV. Young people will be supported to add their own personal touch to create a homely and cosy environment. Each house will be arranged over two floors where the young people will have the use of a fully equipped kitchen including a washing machine and a shared bathroom. Each young person will have their own space in the kitchen to keep their food.