residential care homes
Our children’s homes represent all that residential care should be. Warm, comfortable family homes where children will feel welcome, valued and cared for. With no more than 4 children at any one home we base much of the daily structure and routine on what ‘normal’ families do- eating together, helping with chores, school and relaxation. With staffing levels set at 1:1 we ensure each child has time to focus on their individual lives as well as enjoying the lifestyle a busy ‘family’ environment brings.
Before children live with us they are visited by the home manager and a member
of the team. They are given booklets and shown pictures of the home, garden,
school and care team. They are invited to come and visit the home and often
spend a night with us before the placement begins. We believe this sends the
message that they are wanted and valued. Once they are living with us they
are encouraged to own their bedroom, to decorate it themselves and choose items
to furnish it.
We place a lot of value on reflective behaviour and all children are encouraged to reflect verbally and in writing on their day, their actions and their behaviour. We offer a range of therapeutic interventions to help the children develop insight into their behaviour and understand the different, more appropriate coping mechanisms.
Therapeutic Interventions:
Anger Management
Conflict
Assertiveness
Life Story
Communication
Interpersonal Skills
Coping Skills
Emotional Identification
Safety
Self Awareness
Positive Outcomes
Bullying
This work is undertaken by the designated keyworker- a member of the care team who concentrates specifically on one child in the home. This may only account for a few hours per week though. The majority of the time is spent doing the ‘normal’ things that children do- playing sport, joining clubs and making friends, helping around the house, watching television and going to school. We believe in social inclusion and the children are encouraged to ‘own’ where they live- to be an active part of the local community and contribute where they can.
Our homes are positive places to be. Extremely low staff turnover combined with a management structure that has seen no manager leave in 5 years provides the solid basis for long term quality care. No placement breakdown in 5 years has led to all homes experiencing long periods of stability and, as a result, quiet steady progress by all children is made. Care plan objectives are met and we experience a high number of children leaving to live independently.
All of our current Care Standards Inspectorate of Wales inspection reports are perfect and we enjoy a positive working relationship with them.