ACCOMMODATION OFFERED

Looked after children and care leavers aged 16 to 17 may be living in this accommodation with other people who are not care-experienced and aged over 18. Each child will have their own bedroom, but may share communal areas (for example, a kitchen or a living area). Under legislation, this will be referred to as: ‘Supported accommodation in a shared or group living situation in premises which are not limited to accommodating looked after children and care leavers. 

Step4Ward provides accommodation with facilities that include 4-6-bedroom properties with 24-hour staff on site, communal CCTV coverage for safeguarding and security purposes and an emergency out of hours management system.

Each Young Adult is given their own fully furnished bedroom (single occupancy) and shared access to communal areas and facility. We have properties across Kent and Medway and ensure we have excellent transport links and access to educational facilities, employment and training opportunities as well as conveniently located for supermarkets, shops, places of worship and community activities. Our location assessments take into consideration all aspects of the local area to ensure safety and security as far as is reasonably practicable. 

Settling in All Young adults should have a positive and welcoming experience on admission. Staff will plan the most appropriate way of helping a new resident settle and feel comfortable in the home. Staff will take time to consider ways in which a young adult can be received into the home that would make them feel settled and comfortable amongst the group. Staff will also ensure current residents are involved in the welcoming process. Risk assessments will be completed prior to the start date and reviewed regularly thereafter. Staff, in consultation with the service manager, must ensure the young adult is a suitable match with other residents in the home. 

Any risk to the new young adult and other young adults in the house must be adequately assessed,and the placement must meet the needs of the new young adult. Prior to arrival, we will provide the young adult with an information pack which will include a brief introduction to the home, our staff, other residents and the local area. An initial Step4Ward support plan will be completed with the young adult within their first month in placement and the information gathered will be used to determine areas where allocated 1:1 hour will be best utilised. Support plans are the tools used to identify areas of independence which the young adult needs support with and agreed time-sensitive targets are set to promote the development of these areas. Support plans cover all aspects of a young adult’s growth into independence, from current education or employment status to general hygiene and budgeting skills. These plans are always created and updated with the young adult’s 100% involvement and the plan is reviewed each month to track progress and monitor needs. The support plan will be reassessed monthly to track the young adult’s development and ensure support is being allocated effectively. The support plan will also contain information regarding the GP, dentist and optician and  any issues identified will be addressed and resolved within three weeks of the placement start date.