We have a robust matching process, so that young people can live safely and happily as a group. Young people living in our shared houses are provided with a minimum of 5 hours support each week to achieve independence, according to their assessed needs. Support is adjusted according to the changing needs of the young person and can increase or decrease to respond to individual needs.
Whilst a young person is living at LCS we deliver a ‘step down’ support package to increase the young person’s skills, giving them greater capacity and ability to achieve independence.
We treat all shared houses as an opportunity for group work, and staff are trained to work systemically. Therefore, we place a heavy emphasis on thorough and accurate matching and understand the potential consequences of introducing a young person to a new environment, for the young person, existing residents and staff alike.
Our referral process requires as much referral information and history as possible and an up-to-date risk assessment. This is reviewed by two managers before a placement is offered. Where the risk is higher, or not fully known, we will undertake a face-to-face meeting whenever possible.
Our shared units do not take young people associated with gangs or who have high mental health needs. The majority of our shared units are single-sex.
All young people will participate in the running of the household. Therefore, we will host weekly house meetings, allowing young people to plan their meals, discuss ideas for decorating the property and arrange their own rota for cooking and cleaning. As these tasks are allocated between the young people, we are therefore increasing the likelihood that they will positively participate.
In accordance with our approach of encouraging and enabling the greatest levels of independence and control for young people, we place clear expectations upon them for managing their accommodation. This includes tidying, cleaning, maintaining furnishings and establishing rotas in shared houses. These expectations are explained and agreed before young people move into our accommodation or, in the case of emergency referrals, at the earliest opportunity thereafter.
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