This young person’s needs included ASD, mental health diagnoses and behaviours such as aggression, criminal damage and sexualised behaviours. Prior to Protective Care Group, this young person had a DOLs order in place, had experienced multiple residential care placement breakdowns due to the perceived challenge of his behaviours and had resided in a mental health hospital.

The transition into his placement with Protective Care Group was a challenging period of time for him, he’d already endure a lot of instability, and this was yet more change. As a result, behaviours like absconding and criminal damage continued to be exhibited. His care team however, remained resilience, began collaborating more closely with CAMHs to deliver consistent and person-centred care that met his very complex needs.

After serval months, the young person became more regulated, behaviours reduced and his DOLs order was removed. The focus then began to shift from day-to-day care towards engaging in education, hobbies, such as football, and learning life skills like budgeting and cooking.
The level of progress this young person made also meant that his care team ratio decreased to 2:1 and then to 1:1 after 2 years, with his care team remaining consistent throughout that period.

The young person expressed an interest in wanting to share their experiences of being in care with a group of new starters, so arranged with their care team to attend a company induction. The young person spoke confidently and openly about their experiences, demonstrating all of the skills they’d learned throughout their placement.

Upon turning 18, he successfully returned to living at his family home. An incredible outcome that highlights the importance of a consistent care team that really understand the needs of the young person they are supporting.