Transitional/Outreach Work

There may be occasions when a young person decides they would like to remain in the local area of Hunters Moon when they reach the age of moving on into independence. This next step in their lives is full of mixed emotions, happy, sad, excited, worried and scared. This is all normal, however as with most of the young people who we will care for they will not have the network of reliant family and friends to call upon in hours of need.

Upon the request from the young person and their paying authority we can facilitate outreach work. All this work is designed and tailored to meet the needs of the individual and can range from a few hours a week to daily visits from staff. Privately rented accommodation may be found which may be company let by Companions.

Previous work has been varied and has involved programs which have gradually reduced staff support.

Education:
Should the young person be completing the ASDAN program this could be continued either at the young person’s home or at Hunters Moon. Should a young person wish to continue with their education at Hunters Moon, this could be facilitated on a 1-1 basis

Therapies:
Counselling sessions may be taken at a location most suitable and agreeable by the young person and counsellor. Aromatherapy and music must be taken at Hunters Moon.

Telephone contact:
24hour telephone contact would be facilitated for however long the young person wishes.

Transport:
All mileage to visit the young person is included in cost however should a young person need to be transported outside a 10 mile radius for contact, appointments etc mileage would be additional cost.

Risks:
Risk assessments would remain active to ensure the safety of the staff and the young person. The paying authority would be immediately informed should there be concerns of any changes which indicate lone working is not safe.

Accommodation:
Accommodation would be sought in areas which would give the young person the best opportunities to succeed. Failure often occurs when young people are placed in areas of deprivation and where it is known unacceptable behaviour is common occurrence. Consideration will be given to easy access of transport, employment opportunities, community, leisure and health facilities.
Single occupancy would be desirable however this would be dependant upon the young person’s wishes.
Where privately rented accommodation has been found and Companions Company let such property, Companions become responsible for ensuring all the Landlords rules and regulations are adhered to and also for any damage or theft from the property. With this in mind Companions draw up a tenancy agreement which indicates Companions fully agree with the terms and conditions of the Landlords contract and will take all necessary steps to ensure the property remains in the original condition of first day of tenancy. The tenant will also be required to sign the agreement. In cases where major damage or theft has occurred Companions will negotiate with the tenant and placing authority on how these costs of replacement or repair will be met.

Minimum lease:
It is normal practice for a Landlord to insist a 6 month minimum tenancy agreement followed by monthly reviews. It must therefore be agreed prior to any lease or responsibility being taken on by Companions to Company letting a property the paying authority would guarantee to pay the remaining rent and other fees incurred by the young person should s/he decide to leave prior to the end of the tenancy agreement.

Housing Associations:
Should the decision be made by the young person and paying authority to use the services of a housing authority, Companions would liase with the housing association to ensure the accommodation is suitable for the young person.

Working with other professionals:
It is recognised many other professionals performing various roles will be involved with the young person. Companions strive to work constructively with these professionals and the young person to ensure the program succeeds and the young person thrives.

Time-scales:
Companions do not put maximum time-scale on how long they can work with the young person.

Outreach Work:
Companions can offer a package to facilitate direct outreach work to young people who can not reside at Hunters Moon.
The package may include:
• Provision of suitable accommodation within easy reach of Hunters Moon.
• Daily staff supervision
• Therapies including counselling
• Opportunity to access the ASDAN program
• Independent living skills
• Inclusion in group activities
• Gradual program of disengagement
(Package fees vary dependent upon requirements)