Bourne House Practice Model
At Bourne House we specialise in working in partnership with the young people in our care enabling them to move on from periods of difficulty in other environments such as group living or to divert them from negative or destructive behaviour.
We encourage this by:
- Setting clear daily routines
- Setting clear boundaries
- Setting achievable goals
- Praising achievements
- Guiding any commitments
- Working with the young person to identify and understand their mistakes, and how to put them right
- Supporting their efforts
- Give choices so they make their own
- Give reasons for doing things
- To show by example
- To show empathy
By respecting their individuality we provide opportunities for young people to improve their self-esteem through achievements in outdoor activities with links to education prior to enabling them to access full time curricular or further education. Thus acknowledging that for some young people education in a school / college environment is difficult to adapt to, especially if they have had negative experiences in the past.
We believe that change is always possible and that behaviour is within the control of the individual. We understand that behaviour is often a physical expression of the inner self. Using this awareness we work with young people to identify emotions and find more positive outlets for them. All young people are therefore valued and are of value because they are not being ‘written off’ according to labels or their behaviour.
All are capable of learning it is essential that the environment we create is a safe one for change and that part of this is strongly confronted and sanctioned and we expect the full support of the referring agencies in this. This is especially important in terms of risk assessments for outdoor activities where these are part of the young person’s individual programme.
Young people are encouraged to develop responsibility for their own safety as well as the safety of others. Above all, we believe that it is important not to lose sight of the value of fun and joy as change agents for their restorative ability. We encourage the use of creativity and fun and laughter in daily life. This is an integral part of the experience for all involved.
The team work closely with our head of therapeutic services Peter Kelly, DPSE Dip Psych UKCP/UKATC Registered Psychotherapist. He provides support and guidance to the Manager and staff team through monthly consultation. He enables the team to identify particular behaviours, analyse them and develop strategies to help young people manage them, forming part of a behaviour management programme.
Further to this all staff under go CRISEES (Creative Rapid Intervention Strategies for Emotional Support) training with Russell Henderson M.N.C.P. This is a new and innovative method of physical intervention, focussed on deflection, distraction and diffusion techniques with the benefit of disengagement and physical supports.
Share
