Statement of Purpose

Background

Each of our registered children's homes is required to produce an individual Statement of Purpose, specific to that home.

The Statement of Purpose, which must be regularly reviewed (minimum annually), should include the following information:

• The range of needs of the children and young people for whom the children's home is able to provide care and accommodation;
• The aims, objectives and ethos of the home (Please see Residential Child Care - Key Principles). The document should describe the home's aspirations for the children and young people in their care;
• The care that children and young people can expect to receive while living with us (in line with the Quality Standards) including how they will be consulted about their care;
• Arrangements for promoting family time with family and friends and supporting the cultural, religious and linguistic needs of the child or young person;
• The accommodation provided in the home, including its location;
• Details of healthcare or therapy provided (if any) and, where relevant, the support that we will provide to children and young people with Special Educational Needs or disabilities;
• An explanation of the staffing structure in the home, including the experience and qualifications of staff and arrangements for supervision of staff practice. This will include the registered manager and responsible individual;
• Criteria used for admission to the home including whether the home can accept admissions at short notice / in emergency; and
• Approaches to behavioural support, including monitoring and surveillance and restraint.

Care Planning

The Statement of Purpose is an important document in the process of care planning as it sets out the needs of children and young people that the home and staff team are equipped to care for. Placing Authorities should always refer to the Statement of Purpose when deciding whether a placement in that particular home is the right one for a child or young person, and whether the home will be able to respond effectively to their identified needs.

Emergency admissions should not be considered unless the home's Statement of Purpose allows for children and young people to move in at short notice.

Accessing the Statement of Purpose

Children and young people, parents and carers, social workers and other professionals will be provided with a copy of the Statement of Purpose and Children's Guide for information. These documents should be co-produced with children and young people where possible. A Parent's Guide should also be devised.