Referrals
Seed of Light provides both short-term and long-term placements for young people. Our goal is to offer a stable, nurturing environment where each young person feels supported. We work collaboratively with the young person, their family, social worker, and other professionals to achieve the following aims:
- Reunification: Supporting the return of the young person to their family home.
- Preparation for Fostering: Assisting young people in transitioning to a foster family.
- Preparation for Independence: Equipping young people with the skills and confidence needed for independent living.
Each placement is tailored to the individual’s needs, as identified in the referral or care plan and/or social work assessment. The services we provide are specifically designed to align with the type of living and educational programmes that Seed of Light’s Children’s Homes offer.
Our Services and Activities:
We offer a wide range of services and activities to support the young people in our care, focusing on their emotional, social, and academic growth. Some of these services include:
- Therapeutic Support: Including individual counseling, group therapy, and trauma-informed care.
- Life Skills Development: Training in budgeting, cooking, and personal responsibility to prepare for adulthood.
- Educational Support: Personalized learning plans and assistance with homework, ensuring every young person stays on track with their academic goals.
- Recreational Activities: Structured leisure activities that promote physical well-being and social engagement.
Any specific services or activities will be discussed and agreed upon with the managers prior to referral, ensuring that the young person’s needs are fully addressed.
Admission Criteria
- Young people aged between 11 and 17 are eligible for admission to Seed of Light.
- Before admission, a thorough assessment of the young person’s needs is conducted, alongside a detailed impact risk assessment.
- The welfare of current residents is taken into account when considering new referrals, particularly any potential conflicts in terms of needs and age differences.
- A pre-admission visit to the home by the referring social worker, accompanied by the young person, is a necessary step to ensure a smooth transition
Assessment and Placement Process
At Seed of Light, we carefully evaluate each referral to ensure we can meet the specific needs of the child. Only when we are confident that our services can effectively respond to the needs of the young person, and the impact on the existing group of children has been fully considered, will a placement be accepted.
By providing a safe and supportive environment, Seed of Light offers young people a space to grow, heal, and work toward their goals, whether that involves reuniting with their families, transitioning to foster care, or preparing for independent living.
Admission Procedures
At Seed of Light, we aim to plan admissions carefully, ensuring that each young person feels comfortable and supported throughout the process. Wherever possible, we invite the young person to visit the home for an introductory visit before full-time admission, providing an opportunity for them to get to know the environment and staff.
Initial Assessment and Placement Meeting:
Once an initial assessment has been completed, the young person, along with their family (if appropriate), and the social worker from the placing authority will be invited to a meeting to discuss the suitability of the placement. This collaborative meeting ensures that the needs of the young person are fully understood and that Seed of Light can provide the right support.
Introduction to Seed of Light:
- Children’s Guide: The young person will be provided with a copy of our Children’s Guide, which will be thoroughly explained to them by the Manager or Key Worker. This guide includes important information about the home, its values, rules, and the support available to the young person.
- Discussion with Key Staff: The young person will have an opportunity to discuss the general ethos of the home, the type of care provided, and what they can expect from their time at Seed of Light.
- Mutual Expectations: Our staff will clearly outline what the young person can expect from Seed of Light, as well as what is expected from them in terms of behavior and engagement. This helps set clear, mutual expectations from the start, promoting a harmonious living environment.