Specialist Homes Action Research Programme

We have introduced an innovative initiative for looked after children who have frequently presented as challenging.

St Christopher’s Specialist Homes Action Research Programme (SHARP) is a programme of enhanced support to work alongside the high quality residential care already provided.

SHARP is underpinned by a behaviourist approach, based on pro-social learning but with an openness to other research-based approaches to childcare that would assist in the care of individual young people.

It aims to help young people with a history of breakdown in placements, those who haven’t settled in foster placements, for example, or those at risk of custody, or who have already been in custody.

This new approach to childcare in small research-based homes is in the forefront of residential childcare in the British Isles. It provides tailored treatment plans to address the specific needs of individual young people.

SHARP benefits from in-depth initial assessments of young people carried out by Royal Holloway College, University of London, and evaluation by the University of Bristol. It is also constantly tracked and closely monitored by St Christopher’s, with a view to adapting and expanding this approach to other centres.

If you are interested in commissioning St Christopher’s services, call 0208 780 7800 and ask for Development - or click here