Devon County Council

2 Birchen Lane
Brewin Road,
Tiverton
EX16 5DL

Tel: 01884 253036
Fax: 01884 257290

Manager: Paul Cocking
Assistant Manager: Amanda Barrett

Birchen lane is a residential care home for up to six young people aged 8 – 18  years of mixed gender, who have emotional and/or behavioural problems which prevent them from living with a family.

The work of the home is to stabilise behaviour and prepare the young people for a family placement in most instances.

We also have an emergency only 7^th bed which can be used for up to 72hrs to accomodate young people until a permanent placement is found.

Aims:

• To stabilise behaviour.
• To facilitate social and educational integration.
• To prepare each young person for a family placement.
• To work closely with families and agencies throughout the process.

Criteria for Admission:

• That every attempt has been made to keep the child either with their natural or substitute family.
• That a child's behaviour is such that it cannot be contained within a family environment.
• That their admission must be part of a recognised care plan and that residential care is seen as a positive way forward.

Service Provided:

Birchen lane will aim for young people to stay for approximately 12 months sometimes longer depending on individual needs. The actual length of stay will be determined by the progress made by the young person while they live with us.

At the point of admission a notional exit plan and contigency is identified. This will normally be done at a Placement Planning Meeting with the young person and all the relevant family/carers and professionals involved present.

We aim to provide a high quality, caring environment where young people can learn and develop their potential. We have a relatively high staff ratio of 1 staff to 2 young people to facilitate this process.

Referral Process:

• Enquiries to the manager and through the County Referrals Panel.