Care
Referrals for care placements are processed as quickly as is practicable. Once a referral has been received along with relevant background reports an informal pre-admission visit will be sit up for the young person, parents and Social Worker. After agreement has been reached on the appropriateness of the placement an initial care strategy will be put in place and the young person admitted under statutory legislation, which can vary dependent on the young persons situation. An Initial Review is held within 6 weeks of placement.
In terms of residential assessment a planning meeting is held within the first few days of admission with a conference being held within the regulatory time scale.
The Good Shepherd Centre (Open School) has three residential units:
- St Margaret's
- St Clare's
- Goretti
Each of the three units is open 52 weeks per year thus offering options of long or short term care. All house units can facilitate residential assessment or respite care when necessary.
The residential units have their own staff team made up of a Care Manager, Team Leader and a Care Team. Over 95% of staff providing care are registered with the Social Services Council at an appropriate level.
The school also has a wakened Night Care Team which ensures the care and safety of the young people. Young people are referred to the residential unit most appropriate to meet their needs. All young people have an allocated keyworker who in conjunction with the young people, school management and placing authorities will formulate, operate and update the agreed care plan.
The units are bright and spacious offering the option of in-house activities. Each young person has her own bedroom, some of which have en-suite facilities.
Young people also have access to relaxation areas on the upper floor where they can enjoy quiet time away from the bustle of the living areas.
The Centre is committed to the through care and after care of our young people and is in the process of developing services to meet these needs. An important role carried out by residential staff is that of advocate on behalf of the young people ensuring that services required in meeting the needs of these vulnerable young people are available during and post placement.
Young people have a variety of options to put forward their views. There are regular unit meetings, a School Council and a suggestion box available.
Residential staff are required to take part in the continued Professional Development Programme of the school, thus keeping abreast of good practice issues and developments.