This house operates under the umbrella of Apple Orchard with the aim of providing the young people who live there with the support and guidance needed to prepare for life after care.
When it is felt that a young person has made sufficient
progress in therapy, education and their general behaviour to move towards
semi-independence, further assessment is carried out in conjunction with
the young person’s social worker, therapist and staff team to ensure
that this move is appropriate for them.
(In certain circumstances a more comprehensive risk assessment may need
to be commissioned and carried out in-house).
In this house young people are encouraged to take
greater responsibility in many aspects of their lives. Skills such as cooking,
shopping and budgeting are actively promoted. Group living, managing conflict
and planning activities are addressed in house meetings with the emphasis
on increased self-responsibility.
Young persons have the opportunity to attend local colleges, find work experience
and part-time employment. Where possible they are encouraged to make their
own appointments, use local transport and other facilities that affect their
lives. This includes greater contact with leaving-care teams, who will be
involved in the young person’s next move.
Whilst requiring commitment and hard work, the house also brings the benefits
of later bedtimes, increased free time and reduced supervision. The overall
aim of the house is to encourage the young person to develop the skills
and confidence needed to make a safe and successful transition back into
the wider community.
structure