If you are a social worker, professional, or family member looking to place a child in a safe and supportive environment, we are here to help. Our referral process is straightforward and designed to make the transition as smooth as possible for the child.

• Step 1: Initial Enquiry – Contact us to discuss the child’s needs and determine whether our home is the right fit.
• Step 2: Assessment – We conduct a thorough assessment of the child’s needs, working closely with referring agencies and professionals.
• Step 3: Transition and Welcome – We work with the child, their family, and professionals to create a personalised care plan and ensure a smooth transition into the home.

Admissions Policy

1. Introduction

This Admissions Policy sets out the process for admitting children and young people to Calordomus Care. It ensures that admissions are handled in a manner that is transparent, fair, and in the best interests of the children. This policy complies with relevant UK legislation and guidance, including the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Provide clear guidelines on the admissions process to ensure a smooth transition for children entering the home.
• Ensure that all admissions are in the best interests of the child, taking into account their individual needs and circumstances.
• Outline the criteria and procedures for accepting referrals and admissions.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all referrals, admissions, and transitions into Calordomus Care. It is relevant to staff, social workers, local authorities, parents, guardians, and the children and young people themselves.

4. Admission Criteria

4.1. Age Range

• The home provides care for children under 17 years old.

4.2. Gender

• The home may be single-gender or mixed-gender. The gender criteria will be clearly outlined as part of the home’s registration.

4.3. Referral Sources

• Referrals are accepted from local authorities, social workers, and other relevant agencies responsible for the care of children.

4.4. Suitability Assessment

• Each child’s suitability for admission will be assessed based on their individual needs, the home’s ability to meet those needs, and the impact of the admission on the existing residents.
• Factors considered include emotional and behavioural needs, educational requirements, health needs, and any specific risks or vulnerabilities.

5. Admission Process

5.1. Referral

• Referrals must be made using the official referral form provided by the company. This should include comprehensive details about the child’s background, needs, and any relevant assessments.
• Upon receiving a referral, the home’s management team will review the information and decide whether to proceed with the admission process.

5.2. Initial Assessment

• An initial assessment meeting will be held involving the child, their social worker, and relevant professionals. This meeting will discuss the child’s needs, the home’s ability to meet those needs, and the potential impact on other residents.
• The child’s views and wishes will be taken into account during this assessment.

5.3. Pre-Admission Visit

• Where possible, the child will be invited to visit the home prior to admission. This visit will allow the child to meet the staff, see the facilities, and ask any questions.
• The pre-admission visit is also an opportunity for staff to begin building a relationship with the child and understand their needs better.

5.4. Placement Agreement

• If the placement is deemed suitable, a placement agreement will be drawn up outlining the terms of the placement, including the care plan, health plan, education plan, and any specific behavioural management strategies.
• The placement agreement must be signed by the child’s social worker, the home’s manager, and where appropriate, the child and their parents or guardians.

5.5. Admission

• The admission will be planned to ensure minimal disruption to the child and other residents. The child will be welcomed by staff and introduced to other residents.
• On admission, the child will be provided with a welcome pack, which includes information about the home, its rules, routines, and the support available.

6. Emergency Admissions

6.1. Criteria for Emergency Admissions

At Calordomus Care, we recognise the importance of providing a stable and well-prepared environment for every child. As a newly established children’s home, we have made the decision not to accept emergency admissions during our first six months of operation. This allows us to focus on building a strong foundation, ensuring consistency, and embedding our care practices. Management will review this policy after the initial settling-in period, with a view to assessing our readiness to safely support emergency placements in the future.

6.2. Emergency Admission Process

• The emergency admission process will follow the same basic steps as a planned admission but will be expedited to respond to the urgency of the situation.
• A full assessment and placement agreement will be completed as soon as possible following the emergency admission.

7. Transition and Integration

7.1. Integration Support

72-Hour Planning Meeting

The 72-hour planning meeting is a vital part of a child’s admission into our home. Held within the first three days, this multi-agency meeting involves key professionals, the child’s social worker, parents, or carers (where appropriate), and the child’s key worker. The purpose of the meeting is to gather all relevant information needed to begin developing a personalised care plan tailored to the child’s individual needs. It ensures that everyone involved has a shared understanding of the child’s background, current needs, and any immediate support required. This collaborative approach helps promote stability, safety, and a smooth transition for the child into their new environment.

• Newly admitted children will receive support to help them integrate into the home, including orientation with staff and residents, understanding routines, and settling into their new environment.
• A key worker will be assigned to each new resident to provide individual support during the transition period.

7.2. Ongoing Review

• The child’s placement will be regularly reviewed to ensure that their needs are being met and that they are settling well. The first review will typically take place within 28 days of admission.
• The review process will involve the child, their social worker, and other relevant professionals.

8. Review of the Policy

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation, regulations, or guidance that impact the admissions process. The home’s management team is responsible for ensuring that the policy remains up-to-date and effective.

Contact Us

If you’d like more information about our services or to arrange a visit, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We are always happy to answer any questions and discuss how we can support the children in your care.