1. Alternatives to care Adolescent support Unit and beyond

2. Why do we need alternatives to care? Care is a very expensive option (74% of children’s social care budget spent on 17% of the children) Care for young people who are older on entry often results in poor outcomes Older young people in care often drift back home on leaving care Identity is a much more significant issue for older young people.

3. Who do alternatives work for? Young people who experience neglect – emotional or physical Vulnerable young people at risk of CSE or use of drugs Young people where quality of life is an issue – young carers, living with elderly relatives Young people whose behaviour is problematical at home / school Families in crisis

4. ASU – what it is and how it came about Closure of a children’s home 7 years ago and reinvested in a short break and outreach provision Belief in a concept – some young people don’t need to be in care but do need something intensive and possibly longer term Families need interventions available to them in a crisis 24/7 and may need ‘time out’ Staff need to be skilled in working with troubled teenagers and able to offer practical advice and support

5. What does ASU do? Engages with whole families Offers outreach and short breaks to young people aged 8+ (mainly 11+) Provides opportunities and activities for young people – Duke of Edinburgh, fishing, cookery etc Provides time away from troubled family situations Evidence based parenting programmes Family time Builds confidence and self esteem Measures success Supports foster carers Aids with placement stability

6. Who are the staff? Residential staff – skilled workers Trained to deliver specialist courses – Strengthening families, AIM, team teach, Boys own and SHIELD Stable staff group Flexible working hours

7. Evidence that it works Reduced numbers of teenagers in care Improved Outcomes Family testimonies Financial evidence Ofsted / C4EO

10. Assessment and review document

11. Families and young people talking In this short video, we asked young people and Families who had been involved with the ASU. We asked what life was like before and after the ASU, how the service has helped and the difference it made to their lives.

12. Financial benefits ASU costs £400,000 per year to run. 28 less young people in care in 2013/14 = savings of around £1,248,000. Less £400,000 spend on ASU = £848,000 saving in year. Year on year savings.

13. The future...... Challenge to care – 6+ How do we develop the model to apply to those families who’s children are at risk of coming into care and remaining in care from the age of 6? Innovation fund