This package was the first we received from a Council and proved to be a great challenge and a steep learning curve. The service user was 17 years old when the package began and is now 18 years old. The service user has a diagnosis of Frontal Lobe Syndrome, which affects their executive functioning. This presents as symptoms of limited working memory, weak understanding of complex language and difficulties with emotional regulation.

This presented a difficult challenge, as we had not previously supported an individual on a 2:1 basis from the Council. As the service user was under 18 when the package began, the bookings consultant had to work alongside our compliance team to ensure staff had both a Children’s and Adult’s DBS. The Standby management team had to liaise with the care team of the young person, to ensure sufficient safeguarding plans and training were put in place to adequately support the individual. Our bookings consultant has had to recruit and use staff who are experienced in supporting young people with Frontal Lobe Syndrome and issues surrounding emotion regulation. These staff members have had to adapt and learn the service user’s crisis plan to provide effective support. Similarly, our consultants had to ensure the necessary documents and training were put in place with staff to ensure an overview of the service user was available, and staff knew what support would be needed.

Furthermore, the young person has a history of seizures and has been fitted with a Vagus Nerve Stimulant to manage their epilepsy. The bookings consultant and Standby staff have had to ensure appropriate training has been put in place to safeguard the service user should they have a seizure – as well as work with the care team to monitor signs or potential triggers of the seizures.