Admissions

Criteria for Admission

Families are usually referred to us by Children’s Services and placement are offered once a completed referral and risk assessment has been received to make sure we can keep both you and your children safe and also our other families. It is essential that you are working with professionals to address past or present issues and we will offer you all the support you need.

You must be aged 16 and over and not looked after yourself, we have no maximum age. You can be an expectant parent if you have an older child in your care, single female or male parents, two parent families, you may have additional learning needs and/or managed mental health difficulties. We will accept you if you have between 1-3 children under the age of 8, if you have managed (with wider support services) drug/alcohol difficulties or there may be a history of domestic violence or social care history of your own. Families will not be admitted where there is a history of arson or violent/aggressive behaviour towards Social Workers, staff and/or other professionals.

Ethos
We believe that everyone should be respected and valued regardless of their history, sexual orientation, culture, religion or any other external wider factors. We strongly believe that when parents form positive and trusting relationships with those around them, they can allow themselves to feel valued and be supported to learn, grow and develop the skills topositively parent their children thus keeping families together.

Advice, guidance and counselling
Advice and guidance offered to families will be specific to developing your parenting skills, your allocated key worker will be on hand to support you through any difficulties and will support you through direct work sessions where required. You will also have access to in house counselling weekly.

Fire precautions and associated procedures
Appropriate fire doors, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, smoke alarms and emergency lighting are installed and serviced annually by professionals. Regular tests are carried out by staff.