We really do believe that our (Young Person) is in the best possible hands at Oakfield. We think that a long term placement here is in their best interests.
All staff members have always been friendly to us, and welcoming whenever we have visited our (young person). Updates as to their progress are religiously provided and a telephone conversation usually follows with a member of staff. All of this serves to build up trust and respect between the two parties.
(Young Person) has significant complex needs and has had significant incidents of trauma in her life. However, now (Young person) is in a safe environment and is spoken of with kindness and respect.
I have found the team to be very co-operative and engaging, targets and goals are routinely set which allows for the network to measure performance and outcomes.
[Our young person] is so happy and feels like she is making progress, this is significant and emphasises the value of your service and provision.
The level of therapeutic input is strong. There has been significant duration of no self-harming incidents or hospitalisations. It is very important to understand the child’s history here and level of complexity – as her life has been one of continuous instability and on-going self-harming and suicidal ideation – that has led to her being admitted to a number of psychiatric units. To achieve this shows significant progress.
There was a thorough process for accurately and comprehensively reporting incidents, including those resulting in restraint or self-harm. Reports were detailed and young person centred and demonstrated how the least restrictive method of intervention was used with therapeutic de-escalation techniques attempted first in accordance with positive behaviour support plans.
Outside of a secure unit and psychiatric care/detainment this is the most progress [YP] has made and efforts to prepare her for community living are intensive and on-going
Staff were exceptionally well supported to do the right thing by clear guidance and training. In addition to a range of formal policies, there were systems and processes in place.
Oakfield is the first placement to work to end this crisis cycle and face/manage the complexity.
There is evidence of a clear vision by leaders to provide a therapeutic environment which is person centred, open, inclusive and empowering for the young people which gives positive outcomes. This can be seen by the progress they have made in managing their emotional dysregulation and subsequently attending education where previous placements have failed.
As a panel we wanted to say that we were impressed with your collaborative approach, openness and your knowledge of (Young Person) and her needs.
Assessments and care plans completed by staff were comprehensive, holistic and dynamic. We saw in our review of records, how they were completed, developed and updated collaboratively with young people, families, multi-disciplinary and multi-agency professionals.