Our staff recognise the significance of moving in and out of homes and the huge impact this has on children’s and young people’s lives. These events can bring complex challenges that require careful navigation (settling in, building relationships, learning routines and expectations, saying goodbye and the fear of the unknown to name but a few), which is why it’s crucial to have the most prepared staff teams who can support these transitions.
Naturally, each home will have a varying approaches, especially when taking into consideration the needs and personalities of the children and young people already living in the home. It is not always a smooth process, but as the following stories will highlight, Compass staff always strive to make these transitions as positive as possible.
Home L have been preparing to welcome a new young person into the home, and as part of this process, they will always include their children and young people in the planning to reinforce feelings of unity and inclusion. On this occasion, the young people chose to hold their own meeting to consider what things made them feel welcome when they first arrived, so that they could reciprocate and ensure the new young person understood they were in a safe and friendly environment. They decided that balloons, bunting, chocolates and a teddy bear would be the best welcome, and so with adults’ help they set about getting things ready.
Meanwhile, Home T bid farewell to B, who, after more than two years living at the home, is now moving on to semi-independent living. In order to support all the young people with this big transition, adults set up a huge goodbye party that everyone attended; photos filled with memories were displayed throughout the house, some of B’s favourite foods were made, and all of her favourite songs were on repeat.
Having made “exceptional progress” in therapy, showcasing her ability to manage emotions and navigate challenges, and after successfully completing GCSEs, B felt ready for this next chapter, noting to staff that “I wouldn’t be who I am without you”. These goodbyes are always bittersweet: the team are incredibly proud of B and all of her accomplishments, and are thrilled for the positive opportunities she has in this next part of her journey, but they are also sad to see her go and will naturally really miss her.
