The Branching out Project in Waterford city is a pre leaving care and after care residential programme that had been in operation since September 2010.

The project is located in Waterford city and caters for up to six young people at any time aged between 17 – 21.

The programme is provided to young people who are either preparing to leave the care system or young people who may need support to complete their transition to independent living.

The project consists of six apartments for the young people, a staff apartment/office area and a communal apartment in which the young people can socialise together, complete key work, access a pc or engage in our holistic programme of meditation and yoga.

It is expected that each young person will be

• agreeable with being placed in the Branching Out Project

• Will have a vision for their future and a strong desire to work towards it.

• Each young person should be willing to maintain a stable work, education or training placement

• Be open to engaging with local services and key work with the project workers to gain the most from their placement with us.

Each apartment is fully independent with its own entrance. The apartments are comprised of a hallway, bathroom, sitting room, kitchen and study room. Each apartment is fully furnished and the young person will be given a small allowance upon admission to add their own personal touch. There are CCTV cameras in operation in communal areas such as the main entrance and hallways.

The project is staffed by qualified and experienced staff that are on duty 24/7.

The programmes will be managed by the project manager who will also act as a landlord to the young people.

Prior to admission a risk assessment will be completed to ensure that the young person is suitable and ready for the transition to independent living.

Admission criteria:• The young person is aged between

17 – 21 years upon admission.

• It is expected that the young person will have an allocated social worker or after care worker upon admission.

• It is expected that each young person is in agreement with their placement in the project and has agreed to adhere to all project rules.

• If under 18 a care plan meeting must be held within 10 days of admission.

• Each young person should be in a stable work, education or training placement.

A placement will be deemed inappropriate for the following reasons;

• If the young person has been assessed as requiring a secure placement.

• Has acute psychiatric illness requiring intensive medical intervention.

• If the young person has a severe learning difficulty.

• If the young person is suffering from any psychiatric disorders, eating disorder or is actively engaging in severe substance misuse or criminal activity.

Upon admission to The Branching Out Project every young person will receive an information booklet and a welcoming pack.

A leaving care needs assessment will be completed with the young person to help target areas in which they need development and identify where their strengths are. Within the framework of this assessment and in consultation with the social / after care worker, parents and/or guardians, the young person and other professionals, we will develop a leaving care/after care plan to target the areas of need. This plan will be continually assessed throughout the young person’s placement.

Project workers will work on a one to one basis with the young people as well as in a group setting to target scheduled topics that relate to their leaving / after care plans.

Branching Out staff promote role modelling, informal and experiential learning to encourage the young person to explore and exert their independence in a low support, needs led environment.

We offer an individualised programme of care that aims to assist young people in developing physically, socially, morally emotionally, cognitively and educationally. The Branching Out Project encourages young people to exercise autonomy over their lives which in effect will enhance the self esteem of the individual as well as promoting problem solving and skills acquisition.

We operate a key-worker/mentoring system which ensures that each young person has an advocate who will also keep a focus on and co-ordinate their plans and care needs.

Through the medium of therapeutic relationships we aim to address the following areas to prepare the young people for independent living:

• Emotional Support

• Accommodation

• Education/Training

• Employment

• Social Relationships

• Belonging

• Practical Skills

• Personal Documents

• Social Presentation

• Financial Support

• A Contingency Plan

The fundamental aim of the project is to foster a sense of responsibility which will encourage and promote the young person to live independently. The young people are given a weekly allowance out of which they pay rent and utilities.

The Branching Out project operates a warning system which helps young people take responsibility for their own actions. Every effort is made to try and ensure that the young people who come to the project are given all the support and encouragement they need to complete a successful and enjoyable placement.

The Branching Out Project is registered with the HSE, the policies and procedures document have been developed in conjunction with the National Standards for Children in Residential Care (2001) and all relevant legislation.

Referrals are taken from all HSE areas and aim to provide the highest quality service to young people.

For a referral form and information please contact either;

Louise Lehane - Director of Services (087) 6534116 Or Gillian Corcoran – Project Manager. (087) 2234235

Oak Lodge Residential and Fostering Services

Head Office: Chapel Street, Carrick on Suir, Co. Tipperary

Telephone: 051 641723 Fax: 051 649150

E-mail: info@oaklodgeresidential.ie Website: www.oaklodgeresidential.ie

Branching Out Project Apt 2, Fairways Court

22 William Street, Waterford

Telephone (051) 345 324

E-mail: branchingout@oaklodgeresidential.ie

Brochure Design by:

Gerry Keane Graphic Designgerrymkeane@gmail.com

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