Our homes keep children safe and support their growth and development as unique and valued individuals.
We recognise that young people come to us with very different prior experiences, resulting in different sets of needs and interests. We do not expect them, therefore, to slip into a one size fits all model of provision.
Our approach to caring for children and young people has been developed and tested over time and comprises three main elements:
- attachment theory - a route to understanding the particular needs of individual young people
- social pedagogy - which seeks to work closely with young people to help them with practical activities and create a sense of togetherness and mutual respect
- behaviour management helping us to develop a clear and easy to follow plan of work with each young person, providing positive reinforcement for positive behaviour.
We recognise the importance of attachments and relationships for young people who are living away from their birth families. All young people in our children's homes are engaged in Attachment Style Interviews at regular intervals throughout their stay. This results in a Vulnerability Report which provides information about a young person's relationships, attachment style, self-evaluation and recent life events.
In partnership with the Lifespan Research Group, we have enhanced and standardised assessment for vulnerability, stress and psychological disorder. This initiative runs parallel with standards set and agreed as part of both the Isle of Man data set and the National Indicators set out by the UK government. These assessments comprise:
- Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
- Vulnerable Attachment Style Questionnaire
- Recent Life Events Questionnaire
Through our work with the Department for Education pilot on social pedagogy, we have learnt that this approach to childcare fits our ethos well - being concerned with the happiness and well-being of young people. It emphasises a holistic approach to development which recognises that every aspect of a young person's life contributes to their development.
Our behaviour management system has been developed in collaboration with the Lifespan Research Group. It is based on the findings of SHARP (Specialist Homes Action Research Project). The pilot project was conducted in three of our homes where we care for young people with very challenging behaviours. This programme is now being rolled out to our other homes.
We are able to accept planned and emergency referrals. If you are interested in making a referral to St Christopher's email referrals@stchris.org.uk or call 0800 234 6282.