Uist is an Intensive Support service catering for 4 young people. The unit is a direct alternative to Secure Accommodation not only for young people who may well meet the criteria and on the way to secure care but for those who are exiting that provision and now require the step down into an open setting. Most of our client group have complex needs and have had significant trauma in their lives as well as a long history of challenging behaviour and relating multi placement breakdown. Other common patterns of behaviour would typically include absconding, self-harm, substance and drug misuse, abused by a significant adult and various forms of offending behaviours. The impact of this can often mean that our young people have real trust issues with adults and building any significant relationships. The Intensive Support Services can have a significant impact on these young people's lives.
Uist is a 4-bedded unit with one to one staff to young person ratio. The age group of our referrals would normally be 12 to 16. There are 8 full time day care staff, one of which includes the Service manager .The Operations manager will also be on duty. Each unit has a designated classroom support worker who is the young person's support and link between Education and the Units. We have a close working relationship with both our L.A.C nurse and Social Education Team who will provide full Health/Forensic assessments for all the young people. Other planned interventions and programmes include anger management, cognitive skills therapy, What works programme to address offending, Violence is not the only choice, Substance use and Offending is not the only choice.
Through the multi-disciplinary approach the needs of the clients can be identified and met through a process of pinpointing the correct programmes and interventions that fit the young person rather than the reverse. High staffing levels enable these interventions and strategies to be fully and appropriately implemented. High levels of vigilance and staff support will also help young people to develop trust in adults and allow them to come to terms with change as well as enabling personal growth.
Through the creation of a therapeutic environment and supported by a dedicated workforce we hope to modify our young people's behaviours and outlook on life and also increase life experiences and chances. It would also be hoped that their time within Intensive Support and Kibble as a whole will have been a positive and worthwhile experience.