The Bungalow - East Sussex County Council

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8. Involving Young People in the Running of The Bungalow 8.1 Young people’s views about the running of the home are actively sought in the following ways:- • House meetings. • Individual sessions with “preferred” members of staff. • Feedback at meetings/reviews. • Use of viewpoint software on computers. • Access to advocates via “Xpress” • Access to inspectors, County Councilors and Reg. 33 “off line inspector”. • Access to a complaints officer. 8.2 All the staff involved in the running of the units are acutely aware of past mistakes and scandals involving residential care Nationwide. They are committed to seeking and valuing young people’s feedback about their feelings and perceptions of the care they are receiving and how the home is functioning. 9. Young People’s Rights, Representation and Complaints 9.1 The Bungalow is visited by independent representatives either from Xpress Advocacy. The Unit is frequently visited by these representatives who give young people the opportunity to meet with them privately and confidentially to discuss any matters which the young person wishes. 9.2 The allocated Social Worker is expected to visit regularly and a young person has a right to contact them. On admission, young people are informed of their rights, which includes their right to complain about aspects of the service being provided to them. All young people are encouraged to raise concerns in a positive way, with the intention of resolving difficulties. The Unit displays prominently the information relating to the Independent Representative and the Departmental Complaints Officer. Records of all complaints are kept, in line with departmental policy. 9.3 If someone is particularly pleased or impressed by any aspects of their child’s care then they can report this verbally, or in writing to the Bungalow staff, Resource Officers or Unit Manager. 9.4 We welcome any comments which may help improve the service provided in The Bungalow. 9.5 In addition to the above, the Bungalow is inspected twice annually (one announced, one unannounced inspection) by the National Care Standards Commission. 12
9.6 The Bungalow is also the subject of an unannounced visit once monthly by an appointed officer from the County Council but who does not work in the home. This is carried out in accordance with Regulation 33, Children’s Homes Regulations 2001. 9.7 Additionally, the new legislation has added another dimension to complaints in that the National Care Standards Commission can also receive complaints from young people, staff, family members and others involved with young people of the home outside the home. The NCSC can be contacted at Ivy Terrace, Eastbourne. 9.8 Every resident has the right to pursue a normal pattern of life in the community, irrespective of the origin, status, ability, sex, age, creed or contribution to society. 9.9 Every person has rights to self-determination, choice, responsibility, value and dignity. The home aims to provide an atmosphere where young people can experience a safe and caring environment. 9.10 Research has proved that young people in care (Looked after Children) lose out on “life chances”. Therefore the young people resident have the same rights and should have the same opportunities that any young person deserves. Any stigmatisation for Looked after Children must be avoided at all costs. “Quality Protects” objectives are a very useful reference point for this section i.e. that young people gain maximum life chances, are supported when leaving care, are securely attached to carers and are protected from significant harm. 10. Health 10.1 The unit actively promotes awareness for young people in relation to their health and general fitness. All staff encourage residents to take a responsible attitude towards their health and general welfare. Attention is given to general hygiene, personal care, exercise, diet and recreational activities. 10.2 All young people have access to local G.P’s. Alternatively, where possible we endeavour to retain their own GP. Strong emphasis is based upon ensuring that a young person is subject to a medical upon becoming a resident and that dental and eye care checks occur. It is recognised that many young people with physical and learning disabilities often have complex medical needs. Therefore, it is vital that prior to any admission a very clear protocol for a young person’s medical needs is in place in the young person’s Care Plan. 13
Page 1 and 2: APPENDIX D Sorrel Drive Children's
Page 3 and 4: 1. Operational Policy 1.1 The Bunga
Page 5 and 6: Human Rights Act Health and Safety
Page 7 and 8: Melanie Ross - Resource Officer Ann
Page 9 and 10: 5. Staff Development 5.1 The select
Page 11: • If a service is agreed the pare
Page 15 and 16: 11.4 At other times staff should su
Page 17 and 18: 14.3 All young people, parents and
Page 19 and 20: 17.2 The ethos of each unit emphasi
Page 21: 20.2 Fire drills are held at least

The Bungalow - East Sussex County Council

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