Referral

Referrals

Referral Management

HMS has established robust referral procedures:

Referrals are received from the Placement Coordination Team or Emergency Duty Team (EDT) for out-of-hours cases

A detailed Placement Referral Form (PRF) is submitted to HMS's Referrals and Enquiries Team

The PRF includes:
o Young person's background and individual circumstances
o Assessed needs o Specific placement requirements (e.g., location)

HMS works closely with referrers to:

Ensure all relevant information is shared
Obtain existing plans and assessments
Gain an in-depth understanding of the young person’s needs

A thorough risk assessment is conducted:

Initially completed by the child’s social worker
Updated at the Placement Agreement Meeting or 72-hour meeting
Involves input from carers and other relevant agencies
Identifies, manages, and aims to reduce risks to the child

The referral and risk assessment inform the placement matching process to:

Ensure known risks can be managed by the foster carer or residential home
Provide appropriate and safe care for the young person

HMS maintains a proactive approach to support:

Regular review of risk assessments
Continuous assessment of current risk levels
Consideration of changes in risk during supervision and reviews

By implementing these comprehensive processes, HMS strives to drive improvements in the sector, ensuring the safety and well-being of young people in their care.

Refining Referral Pathways

Information Gathering

For group living accommodations, we require detailed information, including the young person’s history and an up-to-date risk assessment, during the referral process. This information is reviewed by two managers before offering a placement.

Locality Risk Assessment

The surrounding area’s safety is assessed using the Locality Risk Assessment provided by The Met Police, ensuring risks can be mitigated and managed effectively.

Matching Considerations:

Where placements are deemed suitable, we use the Council’s Matching Document to ensure the following factors are accounted for:

o Specified placement type required.

o The young person’s behaviors and risks (from the PRF).

o Support needs of the young person.

o Placement location.

o Compatibility with other young people in the accommodation.

o Equality, diversity, and inclusion needs (e.g., language, culture, religion, special educational needs, or disabilities).

Creating a Welcoming Environment

Once a placement is confirmed, we focus on making the transition as smooth and welcoming as possible:

Introduction and Orientation

Young people are warmly greeted, introduced to the staff team and other residents (in group accommodations), and given a tour of the facilities.

Personalization

They are encouraged to personalize their living spaces with items such as pictures and decorations. Staff support them in shopping for items to make their space feel like home.

Essential Supplies

Upon arrival, young people are provided with bedding, toiletries, towels, and emergency food supplies in both group and individual accommodations. Placement Agreements and Transition Support

IPA Review

Individual Placement Agreements (IPAs) from the Council are reviewed, signed, and returned within 48 hours of receipt. Any proposed variations, such as changes in weekly costs, support hours, or placement locations, are communicated in writing to the Placement Coordination Team for review and agreement.

Authorizations

Young people will not be moved to alternative accommodations without prior written authorization from the Placement Coordination Team.

Termination of Placements

If a placement needs to be terminated, the Placement Coordination Team is notified in writing, adhering to the Council’s notice periods. HMS ensures transitions are as smooth and positive as possible, even in challenging circumstances such as court-ordered secure accommodation.