Our successful assessment service is able to provide referring authorities with a rapid and comprehensive assessment of the young person’s needs, normally completed within 28 days. This needs-driven assessment incorporates the following areas: the young person’s developmental maturity, emotional and social functioning, personality development, and mental health status.
On the basis of the assessment findings, recommendations are provided in relation to the young person’s therapeutic and placement needs. A comprehensive range of assessment measures are utilised, as well as daily observations of the young person’s behaviour and interactions, and a clinical assessment that focuses on current psychological and intellectual functioning, and childhood and adolescent psychiatric disorders.
Our experience has shown that it is common for our young people to have been previously referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, but not to have benefited from those services. This is typically because either they have moved placement and geographical area before receiving an appointment and/or they have previously refused to co-operate with an out-patient assessment of their mental health needs.
The assessment service is wrapped around the young person in their living environment and the assessment process is promoted through the young person’s relationships with residential care staff. Young people also have access to a Consultant Clinical Psychologist attached to the assessment centres. In addition and on request, the assessment centres can provide detailed risk assessments of the young person’s potential for generalised criminal offending, violent behaviour, fire setting behaviour and Harmful Sexual Behaviour.
Assessments
During the 28-day period psychological, academic and social skills assessments are undertaken by professionals in each field. The Consultant Clinical Psychologist will also undertake sexualised risk assessments when requested to do so by the placing Authority. At West Tarn, running in conjunction with the three strands of assessment, young people can learn to reassess their situation and make choices about their future by gaining skills, abilities and knowledge about the essentials of everyday living and learning.
Comprehensive assessment reports are presented to the social worker at the end of the 28-day period. These highlight recommendations concerning the identified needs of the young person.
Criteria
Age on Admission:
11 - 17
Placement Type:
Planned and Emergency
Duration of Stay:
Short Term
The northerncare homes that specialise in this group are:
> West Tarn
> Oakwood
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