What We Do

At BSF Midlands, our central vision is to inspire each young person to “dare to dream.” Many arrive without plans or aspirations, and we encourage them to envision a better future. Financial incentives are provided for progress and excellence in education and independent training.

Our training program spans 11 key areas in 10-week cycles, covering education, finance management, self-discovery, tenancy and premises maintenance, food management, personal care, social skills, relationship building, substance misuse awareness, safety awareness, and hobbies and artistic development.

BSF Midlands implements a comprehensive safeguarding policy to address various risks faced by young people, such as self-harm, criminal behavior, substance abuse, and anti-social conduct within our settings. Work mobile numbers ensure constant communication for increased support and monitoring when risks are identified. Various support packages are in place to prioritize the safety and protection of young individuals.

In the event of abuse, it is promptly recorded using our safeguarding concerns form, and local authorities are urgently notified. Our whistle-blowing policy safeguards those reporting abuse. All staff at BSF are well-versed in and adhere to safeguarding procedures and policies, having received training within the last 12 months to ensure a secure and protective environment for young people.

Upon admission to BSF Midlands, young individuals sign terms of residence and Clear house rules are provided. Our approach focuses on trust-building, creating an environment where young people can express themselves within limits. We actively listen and support individuals through their challenges.

While our gentle approach minimizes incidents, we have processes in place for rare occurrences:

• A violence policy guides staff in managing conflict, providing diffusion techniques.
• Staff abstain from physically restraining young people; police intervention is sought when needed.
• Physical intervention may occur in specific circumstances to separate fighting or ensure a young person’s safety.
• Legal action is a last resort, with in-house consequences contributing to damage costs and restorative justice instead of criminalising, aiming to prepare them for future consequences.

The pre-admission assessment enables us to tailor a “needs-led” support package while effectively managing risk. The process includes:

1. Allocation of a key worker upon admission to aid goal achievement and emotional well-being.
2. Assistance with form completion, appointments, CV writing, job searches, and benefit applications.
3. Building confidence and motivation through initial substantial support, gradually decreasing as confidence grows.
4. Monthly target reviews with set reports, providing local authorities with updates on the young person’s progress and their ability to independently manage within the community.

One significant obstacle affecting young people is the struggle to achieve their goals. To address this, we’ve established a list of actions enabling young individuals to becone active participants in society. These include:

1. Actively participating in all activities related to education, training, and employment.
2. Residents are responsible for their own cleaning and cooking rota. However, we can provide support and assistance when required.
3. Engaging in key working sessions.
4. Attending all essential appointments.
5. Working towards building independence.
6. Maintaining their room in a clean and suitable standard.
7. Exhibiting good behavior.

We frequently encounter young individuals with diagnosed mental health conditions or challenges related to ineffective emotional coping strategies. In such cases, we implement a higher level of support until the individual settles, and their issues stabilize.

For cases involving a disorder or mental health illness, we collaborate with various professionals to ensure comprehensive care and stabilization. If the issue pertains to emotional coping strategies, we employ different therapies, offering in-house guidance and support. Young individuals on medication are required to store it in our lockable safe to prevent unauthorized access. We supervise and remind them to take the medication at the correct time and dosage. A record of the medication, including the number of tablets and signatures from both staff and the young person, is maintained for accountability.

All young residents are enrolled with the local dentist and GP within the initial 7 days of placement. We actively encourage healthy eating and empower young people to develop cooking skills.

Smoking is strictly prohibited in all our accommodations, and individuals found smoking will receive a warning. In cases of suspected substance misuse, they will also receive a warning. At BSF accommodations, we prioritize addressing substance abuse through awareness and harm reduction sessions, ensuring our young residents receive appropriate advice and support.