Placement Stability

“ Placement stability is not just about meeting a target – it’s about letting a young person know that they belong and that someone cares”

At Bryn Melyn Care, the young people we work with have often experienced multiple placement breakdowns – and therefore multiple experiences of rejection which only serves to compound their existing therapeutic need. We recognise the importance of placement stability, to help give a base from which the young person can feel safe enough to explore their issues.

Whilst we accept that Local Authorities have targets to aim for, minimising the number of placements that a young person has, and whilst these can only encourage better practice – the young people we care for are often experts at “breaking” placements. We understand the underlying emotional needs that lead to this type of behaviour and our highly trained staff are resilient and able to provide the initial emotional and physical containment necessary for trusting relationships to emerge.

We have a Principle of Non Exclusion which means that our starting point is always to thoroughly plan a young persons admission preparing for the testing behaviours, keep flexible resources around the placement to respond as needs change and remain open and creative in thinking about solutions. We have a wide range of placement options and discussion and agreement with Placing Authorities means that it is very rare that we are not able to change the placement around the presenting needs and risks.

There have been very few occasions, and these have been extreme – usually around serious mental ill health, where a young person has not been able to remain safely in our care. In these circumstances, we will maintain appropriate contact if required in order that a young person can return at the appropriate time. This gives a very important message about people being there and that even though there may have been difficulties, the adults did not give up.

Contact a member of our Senior Management Team to discuss how our portfolio of specialist services can give your young person the stability and continuity they need.