1. NORFOLK LA and RNCF in partnership
Assisted Boarding Network
Improves the outcome of vulnerable young people
Is cost effective
Offers long term stability

2. Finding & Funding children in need of Boarding
Chris Hughes
Director
RNCF

3. RNCF Criteria Which young people benefit from Assisted Boarding?
Vulnerable, neglected, at risk
usually have one or no active parents
compromised or threatened by adverse home, school or family circumstances
The child will be aged between 7 to 18 years, average length of support is 7 years.
Overall we are looking at issues were the development of the child is being impaired and a case can be made that boarding will help meet their social needs.

4. Our criteria includes:
Adopted – risk of placement breakdown
Cared for by grandparents, relatives or friends
From single parent family
With 2 carers but where one is severely incapacitated

5. FINDING THOSE VULNERABLE CHILDREN
State Primary Schools
Encourage L.A. engagement – ‘Assisted Boarding Network’.
State Boarding Schools – already a day pupil – change of circumstances – assistance with funding the boarding cost?
Directly from families
How will be help?
We will co-ordinate the regional hubs:
Establishing ‘best practice’ guidelines for Assisted Boarding placements
Building relationships with suitable boarding schools
Monitoring and research into outcomes
Accountability to all stakeholders
Plus ongoing support and advice to individual local authori

6. Assisted Boarding Network
LOCAL AUTHORITITY – national step-change
A child on the edge of care
Looked after child, who may return back within the family, with the help of a termly boarding placement
Boarding schools will not walk away, may be the main focus of security throughout their teenage years.

7. Funding placements LOCAL AUTHORITITY – part/full funding
CHARITIES – similar criteria, work closely together
SCHOOL BURSARIES
Vary with each case, each school and each LA!

8. Application process, straight forward, thorough
Make a phone call to RNCF
Schools really do want to help these young people, and would welcome a visit from the LA

9. Vulnerable children can be:
Neglected, low self esteem, little confidence, traumatised or depressed
They can become:
Happy, confident, high achievers, excelling beyond their peers, emotionally and academically successful

10. Summary We know it works
We support these young people for up to 11 years average is 7 years
We keep in touch
Help us to help more young people

11. NORFOLK LA and RNCF in partnership
Assisted Boarding Network
Improves the outcome of vulnerable young people
Is cost effective
Offers long term stability