|
What we do...We are a specialist residential care organisation based in the South West, providing high quality care and 
education for young people who are profoundly deaf and have additional
complex needs. We have two houses close to Exeter. Blackaller is registered with Ofsted for 11-18 year olds and has four bedrooms. Appledore is registered with CQC for 16-25 year olds and has three bedrooms. The team consists of practitioners who have considerable experience in working with deaf children in residential care who have emotional, behavioural and mental health problems. Their knowledge of deaf culture and the needs of the deaf places them in a unique situation in being able to deliver this highly specialised service. Why we do it...Our experience shows us that there are deaf children within the care system, but there are no other residential resources available for those where their families and residential schools are unable to cope with their emotional, behavioural or mental health issues. As a consequence deaf children move around until they eventually leave the system without receiving the support, structure, education and proper care that they deserve. How we do it...Each house is staffed by a Registered Manager, Deputy Manager and a team of specialist carers all of whom have British Sign Language at least to level 1, and the appropriate NVQ qualifications. Young people are supervised at all times and are accompanied by staff for education, leisure and other activities. However, when appropriate and following an assessment of risk, free time as part of independence training is permitted. Each young person has an individual placement plan, which clearly sets out a behaviour management programme and planned outcome targets. Six monthly reviews are arranged and the placement plan updated when necessary. In additional, placing authorities are kept updated on a weekly basis. In addition to the practical, vocational experience of living in a farm setting, young people can access Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education during term time. Specialist tutoring at home is also available for young people working towards reintegration into education. Challenging and inappropriate behaviours will be dealt with through a mixture of positive reinforcement or sanctions but mainly by delivering consistent communication, explanation and social skills training. Outdoor activities, rural skills and agricultural and animal husbandry will form part of the day-to-day routine. If necessary, psychological and psychotherapeutic interventions will be available to each young person. Some may present with sexually inappropriate behaviours and a qualified therapist is available on a regular basis. Similarly, outpatient visits and reviews of medication can be arranged with the team at the Deaf Child and Family Services Unit, Springfield University Hospital Mental Health Services NHS Trust. |
