· Ethos, Philosophy and Value Base

Our staff believe all children and young people have the potential to change. We believe they can adapt to new environments, learn to develop positive relationships and live in a socially acceptable way. We are committed to residential care as a means of assisting young people resolving the problems which lead to their referral. Following an assessment period and once settled in a stable environment we recognise the importance of ensuring young people are carefully matched with their team who will endeavour to fully address their needs.

We offer a flexible, dynamic and creative service which aims to stabilise young people in mid to long-term placements. Our ethos is deeply rooted in a belief that there are many predisposing personal and contextual factors which impede young people’s development. Regardless of the experiences we are passionate to devise plans which assist young people to gain every opportunity to reach their potential for successful independent living. For such young people caring is not always enough, they need ‘professional parenting’ - which allows them to grow emotionally, socially and intellectually and our links with Shaw Psychotherapeutic Associates assist us in our quest.

We encourage all young people to be involved as much as possible in all house decisions. They will have their own room and will be treated with dignity and respect. Our ethos has developed from an understanding of an holistic approach to care. The welfare of the young person is given absolute priority to assist them in overcoming the difficulties they have encountered in their short lives. Every effort is given to ensure that young people are given the chance to develop positive self-esteem and learn the confidence and skills required for a successful transition into adulthood. Their team encourage a self monitoring and a self evaluation scheme which helps to promote self esteem and allows for both personal failure and success.

To summarise we facilitate change with the following methods:

· Achievement Place Model of Care, also known as the Teaching Family Model

· Behavioural Management leading to Behavioural Modification

· Pro-Social Learning Models

· Self monitoring and self evaluation