Krossroads is able to provide an extensive, well resourced and imaginative support services for those placed on the project, and can offer and provide a period of stabilization for the individual, in accommodation that is suitable for their needs, be it semi-independent or group living.

However, in recognition that no two cases are the same we would wish to undertake a process of information sharing, to ensure we meet the specific requirements of both the young person and the local authority. In our experience successful outcomes are achieved through working in partnership with the local authority and the young person.

Our goals for each young person are:

• To empower and encourage the young person to take responsibility for themselves and their actions, to develop social skills and self-control

• To encourage and support their interest in education/training

• Acquire a range of life skills necessary to achieve full independence.

For example, self care, budgeting, cooking, etc.

• To develop self-confidence and a belief in their ability to manage their lives and live independently.

• Learn to utilise spare time more constructive manner.

• Develop positive peer group relationships and appropriate relationships with authority figures.

• Develop positive relationships within the community and establish local support networks through other youth and community projects or leisure activities.

• To reduce offending behaviours, and involvement with the Youth Justice System.

In line with the above, we hope for the following outcomes, i.e. the young person by the end of his/her placement with Krossroads, will have had:

• Experience of living independently
• Regular contact with their key worker
• Being accompanied to seek education/training or work
• Being accompanied to seek Careers, Job Centres, Benefit Agencies
• Produced a C.V.
• Experience of drawing up and managing a realistic Budget
• Experience of purchasing gas/electricity and other utilities
• Being accompanied on regular shopping trips
• Being shown how to plan, prepare and cook basic meals
• Being shown how to carry out household duties, i.e., cleaning washing, ironing
• Being given information and shown how to access Health Services, i.e., Doctors, Dentists, Sexual health Centres and Opticians

We would usually review the support package after the first month to assess what is working and what needs to be changed. Flexibility is built in to ensure that the needs of the young person remain focused at all times. We would expect this review to be attended by the young person, his/her Key- worker, allocated Social Worker and any interested party, i.e., Education, Health, etc. This could include the birth family, or anyone important to the young person.

The first objective of the key-worker will be to get to know the young person. They will then work out with the young person, their goals and what direction they wish to take. The Key-worker will provide advise, guidance and support in a manner, which is meaningful to the young person. This could simply be, listening to the young person, or attending meeting and interviews, or anything, which is important to the young person.

The key-worker will provide Monthly Reports and summaries to the Social Worker.

These reports will be based on the work agreed on within the Care Plan/Krossroads with the local authority and the young person, as we regard the “Partnership” as being meaningful on all levels.