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FAQs
As a caring organisation, ACAD are keen to ensure that the parents and carers of the young people we look after have all their questions answered. Below we have listed the questions we are asked most often, together with some of the comments and feedback we have received.
We hope you find the following information useful, but if you have any unanswered questions, you may find the answers on the social worker or young persons pages, alternatively, please feel free to contact us.
Where will my child be staying?
ACAD have 5 homes specifically for the care of children and young people, 4 of which are located in Dumfries and Galloway and 1 near Aviemore in the Highlands. Some of our homes are specifically set up to look after one young person, with the maximum number at any time in a house being 3.
Who will be looking after my child?
The young people in our care are looked after on a minimum ratio of 1:1 staff to young person. Our staff team members are employed for their values, beliefs and approach to the work we are involved in. All staff are provided with a high level of training in the care of young people. Our house managers and staff teams run the homes as near to how they would run their own as is possible while still complying with National Care Standards, Care Commission and HMIe guidance.
Will I be able to accompany my child to the house?
Where possible and appropriate we absolutely encourage parents or carers to accompany the young person and help settle them into their new environment.
Will my child be safe in your care?
Yes, of course, we do everything in our power to ensure the safety of each and every young person. We encourage young people, their parents, carers and social workers to be part of the care planning and risk assessment process.
Can my child bring their own belongings?
Yes, we encourage young people to bring posters, pictures, favourite duvet or any other belongings that would help to make their bedroom their own. We will provide a selection of toiletries, linen, stationery, books, magazines and a wide range of other resources for each young person.
Can I maintain contact with my child?
Absolutely, yes, where appropriate and by agreement with all relevant parties we encourage contact by letter, telephone or otherwise from parents, carers, siblings and any other family members. ACAD staff will always try to support contact as much as possible and if appropriate will supply the accommodation address. Wherever possible we will also assist with travel and accommodation locally if required.
Will I have input into my child"s day to day care?
In the vast majority of cases the answer would be Yes! Your rights as a parent or carer are respected and valued, we will involve you at whatever level you prefer.
Every young person has the opportunity to play an active role in their environment and are encouraged to voice their opinion to either a member of the team or house manager. We will always try our utmost to ensure that young people are made to feel welcome and feel part of the family home environment we offer. Should problems fail to be addressed to the mutual agreement of all, each young person has free access to our comments and complaints procedure which we take very seriously. ACAD also provide access to a counsellor who can help each young person with their emotional well being. We also work closely with Who Cares Scotland who act as independent advocates for young people.
We would always ask you to discuss your problems or concerns with us in the first instance. You are also entitled to raise any concern through the Care Commission complaint procedure.
