"we strive for stability, calm and a feeling of security and safety for the child"
Parent zone
Here are some questions frequently asked by parents and carers of young people who may come to Young Foundations.
What is the typical length of stay in a Young Foundations home?
The length of stay can be between six months and three years. Placements can beyond three years but they are age-dependent. Just now, the average stay is just under two years.
Will we be able to visit our relation whilst in the care at Young Foundations?
All parents, carers and friends will be encouraged to visit young people at our homes and staff will try and facilitate regular contact wherever appropriate.
Can we expect to see a change in behaviour at the end of a stay at Young Foundations?
The expectation of Young Foundations is that young people’s behaviour will show a gradual and positive improvement during their placement. This will be linked to the sense of security and safety they feel and the structure, framework and support offered within the placement.
What happens if a young person is already on medication when they go to Young Foundations?
All young people will be registered with a local GP practice upon admission to one of our homes and all medication will be reviewed with the young person and social worker. If it is necessary for the medication to continue the GP will continue to prescribe.
Are the homes same sex or mixed?
All Young Foundations Children's Homes are for both male and female placements.
What policies do Young Foundations have on smoking in their homes?
Young Foundations operates a no smoking policy within its children's homes. All young people under the age of 16 are not allowed to smoke. Young people over 16 will be requested to smoke in a designated area. Staff will not smoke in front of young people.
Could someone stay at a Young Foundations’ home for a long period of time?
Some of the young people currently living in Young Foundations' homes came to us at age 15 and have progressed to our transitions homes for young adults.
How do you manage badly behaved young people?
The staff teams within our homes are experienced and knowledgeable in relation to challenging behaviours and will try and resolve any issues through discussion and negotiation. All staff have training in crisis and aggression limitation and management.
What is hoped to be achieved by sending someone to a Young Foundations' home?
Young Foundations hopes that young people can achieve a sense of stability and safety which will allow them to reflect on past experiences. We provide an all encompassing environment which assesses the social, health and educational needs of young people.
Do our existing healthcare teams work alongside the Young Foundations’ healthcare teams?
Our health care professionals will liaise with all relevant professionals involved with the young person to ensure that a consistent approach is achieved in individual health matters.
How do young people in need cope with other needy residents?
Every effort is made by Young Foundations, within the referral process, to ensure that the mix of young people is safe and positive. Our staffing levels are high and all young people are given the opportunity to become involved in a variety of programmes/activities. Young people also have the right to complain if they feel threatened or excluded and staff will support them through this process.
What happens about schooling whilst at Young Foundations?
If young people attend mainstream school then every effort will be made to facilitate this and we also provide a full time educational resource on site.
What happens after someone leaves a Young Foundations' home?
The majority of young people leave Young Foundations in a planned way, either to a semi-independent setting or return to their family.
Are the homes secure, or can young people go out during the day?
Young people are assess for their ability to have different degrees of access to the community. Staff work hard to maximise the young peoples' opportunities to engage in everyday life beyond the house, in line with their risk assessments and care plans.