SEMI-INDEPENDENT LIVING FOR TEEENAGERS AND TEENAGE MOTHERS

Aims of the service

The aim of the service is to carry out quality assessments with accurate and realistic proposals (linked to social services Assessment Framework) and to provide excellent levels of care to young people from all walks of life.

The Assessment and Care Management Division aims to diagnose suitable packages of care to meet the needs of individuals, treating each young person, as their own person with needs particular to their circumstances.

The semi-independent living service will also include:

To provide quality temporary accommodation for young people aged 16 to 25* with regular support tailored to their individual needs and circumstances.

To educate young people in gaining the skills, understanding and information needed to plan for their future independence, emotionally and practically.

To represent the young person and act on their behalf as required.

To provide practical help when moving on to more independent accommodation with suitable levels of resettlement support as required.

A parenting skills assessment and report.

About Semi-Independent Living

The Service offers quality temporary housing for young people between the ages of 16 and 25.* The service will also cater for young mothers and expecting mothers.** Each young person will be allocated a Semi-Independent Officer (SIO) who will help them to settle in to their new home and provide support as assessed at the point of acceptance on to the service. The SIO will provide a minimum of 30 hours support during the first month and five hours weekly support thereafter. The option of increasing the level of support can be discussed at any time during the placement.** The role of the SIO will be defined prior to the start of the placement and reviewed at the quarterly reviews.

A review will take place after a trail period of six weeks and it will be determined at this point as to whether the placement is suitable or an alternative placement would be more suitable to meet the young person's needs. To ensure that a good level of service is maintained and the needs of the young person are being meet, quarterly reviews with the placing authority will be held to discuss any changes and future plans.

*It is expected that most young people would be in a position to move on by the time they reach 21. However, it may be possible for the young person to remain at the placement pass this age should they have an emotional, mental or learning difficulty that prevents this from happening. **An additional cost will be required for this type of placement and extra support will be given.

Getting your own place

It is hoped that each individual will utilize the support provided and will be in a position to move into their own accommodation as soon as practicable. The SIO will help plan for this event and do whatever is possible to make it a smooth transition. Additional support and advice can be provided as necessary.

Extra benefits of Freelance Social Work Services

The variety of programmes on offer will include the following:

Food preparation and food hygiene training. An appropriate training programme will be developed depending on the ability and previous experience of the young person.

Budgeting and money management. An individual programme tailored to the young person's needs looking at managing on the resources available and how to improve your circumstances. The aim is for the young person to have their benefits, wages and rent paid via direct debit and for them to gain experience of the banking system. This will include setting up a bank account and saving scheme. Each young person actively taking part in this programme will receive £10 towards opening an account.

Other benefits will include local leisure and borough wide discount cards for savings on various items.

Monthly progress reports for social services on the young person within the placement.

Free parenting skills and assessment report.

The accommodation and location

Most of the accommodations are flats or small houses for up to four young people to share. Where possible you will have your own bathroom but most will be shared bathrooms and kitchen. The location of the accommodation will depend on which Local Authority you reside in. At the present time the majority of accommodation is situated within the London Borough of Enfield and is mainly located in the Enfield Highway, Winchmore Hill and Forty Hall areas. Information about bus routes etc will be given nearer the time of occupancy.

You can expect a washing machine, freezer and cooker for shared use and you own fridge where possible. Your room will have a single bed, wardrobe and desk. A sofa will be in the shared living area. Should you not have your own kitchen utensils suitable arrangements will be made for them to be provided.

The accommodation will be suitably furnished and decorated throughout on a regular basis. Any repairs will be carried out as soon as possible. Any urgent repairs will be given priority.

Services included during the placement

Payphone and line rental.

TV Licence.

Gas, council tax, water rates, electricity, heating and lighting all included in rent.

Services not included during the placement

Rent

Telephone calls from payphone (calls charged at BT rates).

Non-accidental damage to the property or neighbouring properties.