Newcomers Handbook
What is Applied Care & Development?
We have a service for young people, who for whatever reason need to be looked after. We try to keep the teams small to be similar to a family doing family things such as activities, housework, homework, handling money etc. There are a maximum of two young people per team and there are two staff on shift each day.
We have lots of things for you to do and will try to do things you are really interested in.
This includes arts, crafts, swimming, educational and cultural visits, cooking, life skills etc. All activities will be based around your personal plans, which you are encouraged to be involved in. We have lots of different units you can work through to get certificates. These are SQA or AQA Units which are recognition of your achievement. We have lots of different units to suit everyone no matter what your interest and ability is.
- You may need some time out to think
- You may need to try activities which make you feel good about yourself.
- Whatever the reason, you will be treated fairly and looked after in a way that suits your own needs.
We don’t have a cook and try to live in a way similar to a family. You will go with staff to the supermarket and chose what you want to eat as a group. We will try to make sure that you eat healthily. When back at the house you and staff will cook the meal, which you have already planned, unfortunately you will also need to help out with the washing up. Your shopping will include any snacks you wish within reason.
Staff are always available for you to talk to and you can choose whoever you feel comfortable with. Staff don’t changeover lots of times in the same day, they work mainly on 2 day shifts and also sleepover, so you will get to know who you feel comfortable talking to.
Phone calls⁄letters and contact with social workers or other?
- You can phone or write to your social worker, whenever you need to.
- You can write as many letters as you like, stamps and paper or anything you need are available in the team’s budget.
- Any letters you receive will be given to you as soon as possible and we won’t open them.
- You can make phone calls if it is allowed in your care plan.
As a records of all the things you have done, we will take photos and give you a portfolio to keep them in. If you don’t want photos taken we won’t do it. Each team has a digital camera for everyone to use.
The amount of pocket money will depend on your age, but you can earn extra if you do more chores agreed.
We would prefer it if you did not smoke and if you are a non-smoker we do not expect you to start. If you are a smoker then you will be shown where outside the building you can smoke. No-one is allowed to smoke in the building or the cars, that includes adults. We will not buy you cigarettes or give you any, if you smoke you will need to buy them yourself when around the shops. If you wish to stop smoking, we will give you every encouragement.
We will set up a meeting with your social worker so that you can say whether you want to stay or not. You can also talk to someone outside ACAD.
Yes, you can complain about anything you are unhappy with. Staff have copies of complaint forms at all times, which you can fill in yourself or ask someone to help. You will also receive a copy of the Complaints Procedure when you arrive. You can also make a complaint to someone outside ACAD if you wish. This may be your local social worker, the Care Commission or someone else on the numbers listed below.
Don’t worry. We all make mistakes, having good days and bad. It’s okay to make mistakes. What we do is talk about what happened to understand why and then work it out together.
When you leave we will support you in making sure that your move to wherever you are going is smooth.
Before you leave, we will ask you to fill out a questionnaire, which will help us to know what we can do better to help young people like yourself in the future. We would like your honest opinion as your views are important to us.
What you can expect from ACAD:
- Our full commitment and support.
- Encouragement throughout your stay.
- Certificates for all your courses in Standard Grades, Units and ASDAN.
- A personal portfolio
We hope you enjoy your stay with us.
Important numbers:
Childline – 0800 11 11
Who Cares? Scotland – 0141 226 44 41
Care Commission – 01382 207 195
