24 Hours Supported Units

 Step4ward service offer placements to young people who are considered in need of some support to manage themselves towards independence. The 16+ team is a dedicated group of individuals who will work alongside young people to offer support and guidance in all the key areas needed to help prepare for adult life.  These people have been carefully chosen because they are especially trained and interested in helping young people make the step from being `looked after` to leaving care and achieving independence. We offer good quality, comfortable housing in safe areas where it s possible to fit in with local people and make good contacts. There is a staff member available at all times, and a maximum of 4 young people at any time. Each young person has a key to their own room and key to the front door.   

 Who we provide service for 

The Young adults we accommodate, and support have varying needs which may include: 

• Autistic spectrum disorder 

• Attention deficit disorder 

• Mental health issues 

• Challenging behaviours 

• Moderate learning disabilities 

• Drug and alcohol abuse 

• Self-harming behaviours 

• Gang involvement 

• Criminal behaviour

 • Low level sexualised behaviour 

• Attachment disorders. 

  Whilst it is recognised that admissions are beneficial to all concerned if they are undertaken in a planned way as they can reduce stress for young adults, we realise this is not always possible and there will be occasions where an emergency placement is needed. In these instances, we and the placing authority must take all steps to provide as much information as possible on the relevant risks and needs of the young adult. Placing authorities seeking an emergency placement should send a comprehensive referral to the placements team. The referral details will then be shared with the service manager. If we confirm that a placement can be offered, then the placement will begin immediately where possible and once all the final costs have been agreed in writing by the placing authority. As an emergency placement would not have allowed for a pre-admission visit to the home, the young adult will be taken on a tour of the home upon arrival and will be introduced to members of staff on shift at that time and another young adult resident in the home. During the tour, staff will make the young adult aware of the evacuation procedures in the event of a fire, familiarising them with exit routes and the fire assembly point. The Young adult’s information should be retrieved at the earliest opportunity and risk assessments completed no more than one week after the referral. The placement agreement will be completed on the same day wherever it is possible to do so and certainly, the agreement will be completed within 48 hours. A visit from the placing authority should take place within one week of the placement start date.