Initial Enquiry

Referrals are welcomed from local authorities and professional agencies. Please contact us to discuss the young person’s needs and current availability.

Assessment & Matching

As a therapeutic children’s home, we prioritise understanding the whole child. Our process includes a comprehensive pre-placement assessment, carried out in collaboration with the placing authority, the young person’s social worker, previous carers, school, and any clinical professionals.

This assessment includes:

• A full intake of historical, social, educational, and health information
• Review of trauma history, attachment patterns, previous placements, education engagement, health needs, and safeguarding issues
• Multidisciplinary consultation to assess readiness and suitability for placement

As part of our trauma-informed approach, we also carry out a full psychological assessment with our in-house therapy team. This helps us to:

• Identify emotional and psychological needs
• Determine appropriate therapeutic input (e.g. CBT, EMDR, counselling)
• Develop a personalised care plan aligned with our Oak ARC-PACE therapeutic model

Pre-Admission Visit

Where appropriate, the young person is invited to visit Oak House before admission. This gives them a chance to meet staff, see the home, and ask questions in a supportive environment.

Pre-Placement Meeting

Once placement is confirmed:

• A pre-placement meeting is held to finalize care planning and ensure all documentation is in place.
• Key documents are completed (e.g., Risk Assessment, All About Me, PEEP, Health & Support Plan).
• The local authority is responsible for providing all required documentation.

Admission

Upon arrival, the young person receives a warm, supported welcome. They are introduced to their Keyworker, given a tour of the home, and receive a Welcome Pack including essential items and our Children’s Guide. Their room is fully prepared to ensure a comfortable start.

Post-Admission

• GP Health Assessment: Arranged within the first 24 hours to ensure physical health needs are addressed.
• Care Plan Development: A detailed Care Plan is created with input from the young person, social worker, and professionals to guide their therapeutic and daily support.
• Assessment Period (First 6–12 Weeks):
  • During the initial weeks of placement, we observe and assess how the young person is settling into the home environment. This period allows us to:
    • Identify strengths and areas requiring additional support
    • Understand their emotional and behavioural responses in daily life
    • Further refine the therapeutic interventions in place to support long-term growth
  • This reflective, responsive approach helps ensure each child’s care remains personalised, effective, and trauma-informed.