Emergency Children's Home
1 Orchard Lane
Orchard Lane provides emergency accommodation to children and young people where there is clear evidence that the child or young person would be at risk of significant harm, as defined in the Children Act 1989, if not placed immediately. These services are provided by a staff team who have the knowledge, skills and expertise required to provide a service delivered to national standards.All children will receive individualised support in line with their needs and wishes.
After being discharged from Orchard Lane, the child or young person will be transported by a Community Support worker to an agreed location, usually the locality district office, in order for the social worker to plan and provide an appropriate response.
Casework responsibility for each young person will lie with the appropriate locality social worker and there will be an expectation that this responsibility is taken up at the start of the working day after discussions with the staff of 1 Orchard Lane.
The Objectives of 1 Orchard Lane
To support existing placements in order to prevent the admission of children and young people into local authority care.Who do we look after?
Children in need of emergency overnight accommodation. 1 Orchard Lane does not provide:- Planned placements.
- Specific accommodation for young people on remand to the care of the local authority.
Age Range
Our service is provided for up to 3 children and young people in need between the ages of 9 years to 16 years and usually from County Durham. On occasions, younger siblings could be placed. It is possible for the home to provide accommodation for up to 5 siblings.Gender
1 Orchard Lane provides accommodation to children and young people of either sex.Children and Young People with a Disability
We do not provide a specific service to children and young people with a disability. However, any referral for a possible placement of a young person would be considered, subject to an assessment of the needs of the young person and balancing this against an assessment of risk and the service that 1 Orchard is able to provide.Procedures for Emergency Admissions to the Home
All admissions to 1 Orchard Lane will be via the Emergency Duty Team. Any decisions to place in the home will be made by the duty social worker.Daily Living
Children and young people will receive a supply of toiletries and sanitary protection appropriate to their needs. Laundry facilities are provided and assistance will be given if help is needed. If an admission takes place late at night, staff will offer to launder any clothing in preparation for the following day. Appropriate nightwear will be provided as required.
A quiet room can be provided for school work / homework. Staff will help if required.
If a child or young person is unwell, medical attention will be sought. Parents / carers of the child or young person will be fully consulted and informed as appropriate.
A wide range of books, games and toys are kept for the use of young people. DVDs and computer games certified as only suitable for over 18 will not be permitted in the home. Children under the age of 15 will not be allowed to watch [15] DVDs.
Visitors
Any visitors to the home will be made welcome. However, visits may have to be supervised.Making a Complaint
When children or young people stay at 1 Orchard Lane they have the right to make a complaint if they, or you, are unhappy about the way they have been treated. Staff will listen to any concerns and will try to help put things right. If you are still unhappy you can do the following:
Ask for a complaints leaflet from either the staff at Orchard Lane or at County Hall (0191 3833000) or contact the manager week days on 01325 375731.
In order to improve our service, the parents / carers of any child or young person placed at Orchard Lane, will receive a letter asking for feedback about the service provided. Please take a few moments to complete this form. We value your comments.
Pictures of 1 Orchard Lane
Orchard Lane Bullying Policy
The Orchard Lane bullying policy tells you what you can do if you are being bullied - or if you know someone who is being bullied.
If you are worried, or think you are being bullied, please tell a member of staff so they can help you.
What is Bullying?
Bullying is where someone hurts someone else. It can be physical (eg. punching), emotional (eg. frightening someone) or verbal (eg. name calling).
Anyone can be a bully. This includes, other young people; staff; other adults; you. The staff at 1 Orchard Lane will not tolerate any form of bullying.
If you are being bullied:
Talk about it. - You can talk to any member of staff including members of the EDT. The manager of Orchard Lane can be contacted by telephoning 01325 375731.
You can also talk to people outside of 1 Orchard Lane, eg:
- Your parents.
- Your social worker.
- Someone you trust – like your independent visitor.
You can also ring NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service). The call is free and the number is:
0800 616101. Monday – Friday: 3.30pm – 9.30pm, Saturday & Sunday: 2.00pm – 8.00pm
or
01516 498 700. Monday – Friday: 9.00am – 5.00pm
How will 1 Orchard Lane protect you?
- Someone might talk to the bully.
- Extra steps might be taken to keep you safe. For example, the bully has to stay with a member of staff.
- You might stay close to a member of staff.
Remember
- Bullies rely on you being quiet.
- Adults can only help if they are aware what is happening.
- Please talk to us about bullying.
- We will help you.
For more information please click on the following links:
Emergency and Family Support Services
