Residential Care
Fresh Start provides an integrated range of services tailored to suit each client's needs including Individual and multi-occupancy Residential Care. We adopt a holistic approach to planning care programmes, which are focused on developing the whole child, rather than simply problem-solving. As clients progress we are able to offer continuity of care within our resources, from high dependency to independent support. We aim to work in partnership with other agencies, both statutory and independent, to achieve this.
By working closely with the placing authorities we are able to progress the young person's care from single to multi occupancy and on to Aftercare with consistency of staff.
The success of our care programmes require all staff to be actively engaged in bringing about improvements, whether in terms of client development, or service delivery. As we develop and grow, we will be able to offer our staff more opportunities to develop and grow with us.
We employ professional staff with a good aptitude for the type of care we provide, develop their skills, support them with effective management, engage them in decision making, and recognise their contribution to our success.
Service Standards
We apply to our services the standards as laid down in the "National Standards for Children's Residential Centres". In many of these reports it has been noted by the inspection teams that we are "in substantial compliance with the regulations." Fresh Start also welcome placing agencies residential inspection teams carrying out their own inspection. All of our units are registered with the relevant H.S.E. appointed Registration and Inspection Teams.
Our Services
The Fresh Start Residential service offers a more intense supervision to those clients whose needs may otherwise mean that secure settings were to be considered. Our staff complement allows us to work with most levels of need, including hard to manage behaviours and young people with suspected or diagnosed severe persistent mental illness.
- Our service is provided in a caring and professional manner, with an emphasis on positive change.
- Each child or young person's placement plan is planned in detail around his or her individual needs.
- The placement plan dictates the level of supervision and therapeutic intervention required.
- 24-hour supervision of children and young people, 7 days a week by our experienced and skilled staff.
- Psychotherapy or Psychological input provided, if required, by a qualified psychotherapist or psychologist.
- Positive use of behaviour management techniques are employed and clear boundaries and realistic sanctions enforced.
- On call service 24 hours, 7 days a week, and 52 weeks a year.
- Our staff are available to attend relevant scheduled meetings in relation to the young person in our care.
- All staff are suitably qualified, have professional experience and/or relevant life experience. The necessary Garda and reference checks are completed before employment commences.
- Each member of staff receives induction and on-going training.
- All care staff receive a 5-day "Therapeutic Crisis Intervention" course. They also keep up their registration by attending a 3-day renewal course annually.
- Each child receives pocket money as well as a clothing allowance.
- All Fresh Start properties and care staff are covered under our public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
- Access to Play Therapist, Educational Psychologist & Drug & Alcohol Counsellor.