Information For Parents
We will work in partnership with you to develop your skills and learning experiences with the hopes of securing positive outcomes for you and your child.
From the point of referral we want our parents to feel fully involved in the process, we understand this will be an overwhelming and emotional experience for you and your child/ren, therefore, enabling you to be involved in the creation of your placement plan which will include input from First Steps and the placing local authority aims to fully inform you of the service your child and you will receive with the hope of alleviating some of the underlying worries you may have.
The placement plan will form the foundations of the care package to be provided to you and your child/ren and will be continually reviewed to meet your’s and your child’s needs.
Our registered manager will discuss your placement plan with your dedicated key worker which will be the starting point of your weekly meetings from which you will be provided with a copy of the minutes to ensure you are always informed about the care and support you are receiving, a copy will also be provided to your allocated social worker to ensure there is minimal repetitive information being asked of you and so that your progress can be adequately monitored.
Whilst you reside with us at first steps you will initially be observed undertaking basic care tasks for your child. Our staff will be recording whether you are able to recognise and respond to your child’s needs taking account of things such as your ability to feed, dress, bathe, sterilise your child’s bottles as well as engaging emotionally with your baby. Where support needs are identified these will form the basis for future direct and group work. Please don’t be fearful of being unable to meet all of these needs fully, our fully trained and supportive staff are there to assist and guide you to understand as our objective is for your child to remain safely in your care.
We will use CCTV 24 hours a day in all area’s of the home apart from the bathrooms. Whilst we fully recognise CCTV systems can be daunting for some rest assured they are used to provide evidence to you that you can meet the needs of your child and are there to keep your children and yourself safe.
During the initial stages of your placement with us, you will be heavily supported and this will reduce gradually over the course of the 12 weeks. You will be provided with ample opportunity to reflect on and apply your learning and understanding to your parenting role and bond with your child in a nurturing and safe environment. The support you receive will reduce in line with your learning in order to enable parents to evidence their ability to parent their child/ren independently at home.
Our dedicated support team will provide you with practical support, which includes however is in no way limited to assistance with;