The Lawns, a Marlowe Unit
‘The Lawns’ has an enviable record of success in helping young people quickly gain purchase over their behaviour and focus on a more positive future. This includes working closely with the young person in managing the transition between the residential and the foster care elements of ‘Safe Steps’.
‘The Lawns’ is managed by Tonia Hibberd. Tonia and her team are very experienced in managing disaffected young people and preparing them for successful transition to foster care. The team adopts an inclusive, multi-professional approach in close co-operation with ‘matched’ carers and the extensive support mechanisms provided by the wider organisations of Marlowe Child & Family Services and Pathway Care. This includes utilising regular supervision by Consultant Therapist Peter Kelly. Peter Kelly also provides supervision to ‘Safe Steps’ foster carers, providing essential consistency and continuity.
‘The Lawns’ provides a nurturing and structured environment; essential if young people are to make the successful transition to foster care. Experienced and qualified staff develop individual programmes, working with each young person on issues they prioritise, as well as those that have previously undermined family placements.
Foster Carers, once matched, work alongside care staff at ‘The Lawns’ on a regular basis, developing relationships with the young person as well as positive strategies for managing conflict as it arises.
Once the young person moves in with their ‘Safe Steps’ foster carer/s, ‘The Lawns’ staff continue to provide active support. Outreach work is undertaken by ‘The Lawns’ staff at the young person's foster home, assisting them to settle into their new environment and school, and develop positive social networks. Further, ‘The Lawns’ is available for advice and support 24 hours a day for foster carers and when they need it. On-going therapy and continued consultation is also coordinated from ‘The Lawns’.
‘The Lawns’ itself is located in a pleasant village on the Gloucestershire & Worcestershire border, just a few minutes drive from the M5 and M50 Motorways. It is a large family bungalow in extensive and well-maintained gardens. The home is decorated and furnished in a way as to enhance a warm and homely ambiance. Each young person has a good sized bedroom of their own, as well as having access to several rooms to play, watch television, talk and receive visitors. Great emphasis is placed on high quality basic care including health, diet, self-care and clothing.
The young people's educational achievement is very important for Tonia and her team. They provide active support to young people and their teachers in terms of the initial settling into a new school, the educational assessment, attendance, homework and achievement. A structured approach and an emphasis on providing a calm and settled environment is essential in achieving these objectives.
The Lawns - Image gallery
