Oaklands‘Oaklands’ is a four-bedded home providing therapeutic care for girls 11-18 years, with psychological, emotional and behavioural difficulties. Many also have developmental and learning disabilities, including pervasive developmental disorders such as Autism and Aspergers Syndrome. ‘Oaklands’ has also worked with girls with histories of mental health problems, including depression and self-injury.

‘Oaklands’ is managed by Jenny Berrigan. Jenny has many years experience of caring for disturbed and disturbing young people both as a worker and a manager. The staff team at ‘Oaklands’ are committed to the young people and the belief they can facilitate genuine change and growth in the young people.

Oaklands‘Oaklands’ is located a few miles outside the town of Haverfordwest. It is a large, ‘airy’ house with accommodation over two floors. Each young person has their own spacious bedroom, decorated and furnished with their full input and ideas. There is ample communal space to allow young people both to share each others company or find privacy if they want, which ever suits their frame of mind. There is a lounge, TV room, conservatory (that is used for art and craft) and a dining room.

‘Oaklands’ is also set up to manage mobility difficulties with especially equipped bathrooms and ground floor sleeping accommodation. Nevertheless, the unit still retains its homely appearance and atmosphere. ‘Oaklands’ grounds are extensive and well provided with games and equipment, including a trampoline.

Young people at ‘Oaklands’ are encouraged to develop confidence, self-esteem and self-expression. They are encouraged and supported to make friends in the community and develop interests outside of the home. They can bring friends and family to visit ‘Oaklands’ with the confidence that it is a welcoming and friendly place to be.

Oaklands‘Oaklands’ provides a structured programme capable of managing difficult behaviours, whilst retaining an emphasis on meeting individual needs. All young people have access to appropriate therapy with a fully qualified therapist. A Psychologist, David Walker consults to Jenny and her team, providing crucial specialist input to Behaviour Management Programmes. Psychiatric assessment and oversight can be organised if required.

‘Oaklands’ has a stable, experienced, well-trained and well-led staff team committed to their work and to individual young people. Programmes of care are supported by high staffing levels and waking-night staff where necessary.

‘Oaklands’ is a single sex unit. As such it is well suited to managing young people who are highly sexually vulnerable, either through reasons of previous abuse or exploitative experiences, or learning disabilities.

OaklandsOver a number of years ‘Oaklands’ has achieved impressive outcomes and consistently positive Inspection Reports. Young People themselves, along with their families and Placing Agencies have all reported significant improvements in most key areas of the young persons life. Further, Placing Agencies have been consistently complimentary about ‘Oaklands’ effective communication systems and the quality of written reports.

For older teenagers there are very good links to local colleges; as well as the staff being ‘geared-up’ to help young people move successfully towards young adulthood and maximum independence.

Oaklands largely focuses on medium to longer-term placements. However, comprehensive initial assessments are also available, as is the ability to move young people on to a family placement or supported independence.