Childrens Homes - Parents Info Page
An introduction to our residential homes
This page has all the information you will need regarding your child's stay with us, including the standard of care you can expect from our staff. These standards are based on the 1989 Children's Act.
Your child has a right to a high quality of care and access to the right education.
If you are unsure about anything please ask.
Schools
Your children will attend local schools whenever possible.
Children who have experienced problems in mainstream education will be educated in the home.
We encourage and support you to be involved in educational plans for your children and where possible attend parent's evenings and open days.
Doctor And Dentist
We register all children with our GP who will meet your child shortly after admission for an initial medical and he will help us to monitor their health care.
Children will also visit the local dentist after admission and will receive regular check ups during their stay.
Pocket Money and Clothes
All children receive pocket money weekly, the amount will vary depending on their ages, between �2.00 and � 8.00
We will also be responsible for buying clothes for the children, who will be encouraged to choose their own clothes (with advice)and eventually manage a realistic clothing allowance with ongoing support.
Complaints Procedure
All the children who are admitted to the home are informed that they may ring their social worker at any time to discuss any problems they may have. They will also be encouraged to spend time alone with their social worker when he or she visits.
As parents, it is your right to question the care your child receives at any of the homes. If you are worried or unhappy with your child's care the management staff will always make themselves available to discuss any concerns you may have. We hope we can resolve any difficulties amicably, for the sake of your child. If you are not satisfied following discussion with the managers, you will be encouraged to contact your Local Authority direct.
Copies of our inspection reports are available from the home. In addition, we have an independent visitor who visits once a month to ensure the level of care and recording is up to standard and also to talk with the children.
We are inspected twice a year, one planned and one unannounced.
Reviews
Statutory reviews are held twice a year, more frequently if required. This meeting is usually held at the home where the child is resident at. You will be invited to take part in this review meeting and will have received forms from the child's social worker to record your views
We feel your contribution is extremely important to help us to care for, and plan your child's future.
You will receive copies of reports and recommendations from these meetings.
If there are other questions, please ask any of the staff at the home, if they can't answer your questions they will know a person who can!
Facilities
We have a room in all the houses which you can use with tea and coffee making facilities and you are welcome to see your child's room or join the rest of us if you wish.
There is always somebody available to help you make your contact time good quality time for you all.
Sanctions
(Used for controlling behavioural problems)A clear statement of what is acceptable behaviour and what is not, understood by both children and staff.
At times of severe emotional distress, removal from the peer group for short periods of time, but always accompanied by a member of staff.
Removal of privileges e.g. watching a certain television programme, not allowed to use computer games for a specific period etc.
Sanctions Not Permitted
Keyworker
Your child will have their own keyworker who will be responsible for making appointments at the doctors or dentists, they are responsible for keeping your child informed of any plans and decisions made for them and to help your child express their needs to the people involved with them.
A keyworker should not stop your child relating to the rest of the staff in different ways, or force your child to form a special relationship with them or anyone else. We work as a team and any team member can help with queries you may have.
Contact
It is very important for you to keep close contact with your child or children, by visiting, writing or telephone.
Your contact arrangements will be decided at a planning meeting either before or in the first two weeks of your child living with us. These arrangements are individual to you and you must adhere to them.
Your child may feel upset and confused, no matter how well the reasons for them being with us have been explained to them. They will miss you and may also be angry towards you and feel deserted, so good contact arrangements and good communications between everybody will help us care for your child.
Travel arrangements and costs will be discussed with the child's social worker