Assessment Programme: Residential Service
There is a six-week assessment programme for potential residential service-users.
Stage one: weeks 1-4
This involves the service-user attending Pele Tower from 10am to 2.30pm on Wednesdays in order to take part in the therapeutic programme. This enables Pele Tower to assess the level of motivation required to engage in a 2-year placement, whilst also allowing the service-user to make an informed decision as to whether the Service is suitable for them.
10.00-10.30 On arrival the service-user will meet with community for an informal discussion. This will give the service-user the opportunity to ask any questions regarding the general running of the community.
10.30-12.00 The service-user will take part in the community cooking group. This involves the whole community planning, cooking and budgeting for the daily meal. It encourages communication and interaction in an informal group setting.
12.00-12.30 The service-user will take part in the daily community meeting. This will give the service-user the opportunity to experience how the community, communicate, support and challenge one another in a structured and safe environment.
12.30-13.00 The service-user will attend community lunch. This gives the service-user valuable experience of living within Pele Tower where community meals are part of everyday life. It is recognised this may be difficult at first.
13.15-14.15 The service-user will attend the Focus group. This a staff facilitated group, which will allow the service-user to gain experience in group discussions relating to living within a therapeutic community.
Stage two: weeks 5-6
It is expected that having attended the assessment programme for four weeks, the service-user will be ready for the final stage of the assessment programme. This gives the service-user essential experience of residential community living and attending Group Therapy sessions, giving further insight into the therapeutic programme.
Assessment meetings
At weeks 2 and 4 assessment meetings are arranged for the service-user to meet with the Group Analyst. These meetings involve a general discussion to review the service-user’s experience of Pele Tower and to talk about group therapy.
Final assessment interview
The final assessment interview reviews the service-user’s motivation, experience of the community, behaviours and risk. It allows both the service-user and community to make a final decision on whether a placement is suitable.
Service-user and current residents meeting
After the assessment interview, the service-user will then meet with the community for an informal discussion as to how the service-user has experienced Pele Tower in general.
Full community meeting
The full community, current residents and staff, will meet on the Friday to discuss and make the final decision on whether the service-user is suitable or unsuitable for either a residential or day service placement.
Successful assessment
If it’s decided the service-user is suitable for a placement, the service-user and relevant professionals will be informed by letter and a move-in date will be offered. The funding for a placement must be place before a move-in date can be offered. It is thought that throughout the 6 week assessment, funding will be sought by the referring team.
Unsuccessful assessment
If the assessment has not been successful, the service-user and relevant professionals will be informed in writing explaining the reasons why. A re-referral can be made within 12 weeks, up to a maximum of 3 referrals of the same individual within a year (unless circumstances deem it inappropriate which will be stated).