Admissions will be on a planned basis only.

The initial referral will usually be made to Ridgway Children’s Services Group Office. The Director with responsibility for referrals (Mr John Bolton) will then make verbal contact with the placing authority to ascertain which of Ridgway Children’s Services units may be most appropriate.

If the decision were made that Ridgway Children’s Services may be a possible appropriate placement, then the placing authority would be asked to complete our comprehensive referral documentation. The person responsible for making the referral must be clear about the purpose and aim in requesting a place. The simple provision of accommodation alone is not sufficient reason to maintain or admit a young person to Ridgway Children’s Services.

Mr John Bolton or his nominated representitve will visit the young person and their social worker/parents at their current placement.

This, combined with the information received about the proposed referral will enable management, through consultation with their team, to make an informed decision about the appropriateness of the proposed placement. In addition, we will also take into account any possible effect the proposed referral could have on other young people in residence and the local community.

If the above criteria are satisfied, the young person, their parents/carer and social worker will be invited to an admissions interview. The Registered Manager, Head of Education and Therapy Co-ordinator will normally attend this.

We are cognisant of the often stressful and traumatic nature of moves experienced by young people within the care system; therefore we believe that such moves should, wherever possible, be arranged in a planned way. It is preferable that the young person, their social worker and parents/carers make a visit to the home prior to admission, which is why, wherever possible the admissions interview take place at the home. We also believe that it is crucial that young people are involved in the planning process, as this will assist them in taking some ownership of the move.

A decision on future placement will be conveyed within 5 working days of the admissions interview.