Each Positive Care residential centre provides a unique service, based on our model of care: a combination of Applied Behavioural Analysis, Choice Theory and System and Team Development.

Positive Care Ireland recognises that each young person placed with us is unique in their needs and personality. Upon being placed in our service, therefore, a young person’s personality structure is closely observed by the team to evaluate their traits, responses and habits. We track the consistency of individual response to a variety of situations. We also take an overview of the regularity and generality of a young person’s behaviour. This helps us to recognise the dynamic motivational concepts a young person may use to account for their behaviour. A combination of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods are implemented from Functional assessments, ABC tracking sheets to support and key working sessions. The outcomes are studied and a behaviour support plan is drawn up in conjunction with a placement plan.

In addition to the data collection pertaining to the young person’s behaviours, the Positive Care Ireland Social Care team focuses on finding incentives that motivate the young person in their day to day life. These incentives once discovered can be integrated into behavioural plans to encourage the young person to engage in the daily plans drawn up exclusively for them. The main goal is to create intrinsic motivation within our young people stemming from their own positive choices, with the support and reinforcement of our teams.

The young people in our care are the main focus of our attention. We are, however, cognisant of the crucial role Social Workers play in their lives, and in directing their placements. We also know that many young people, when they are adults have a desire to read about their past and to get a picture of their lives as children.

We therefore consider it crucial that the monthly reports we send to Social Workers are comprehensive and cover all aspects of the child’s care and progress during the previous month. We have a systematic approach to placement planning and the placement plans are a living document which change as the young person progresses and their needs change. Social workers are provided with an updated placement plan monthly, as part of the monthly reports.

When care plan reviews and placement reviews happen, the monthly reports are summarised so that a complete overview of work in the previous 6 months is available to the meeting and planning for the coming period is based on hard information.