Case studies: Mark

The Family

Mark had been looked after by the local authority on numerous occasions since 1997. At the point of referral to the multi-disciplinary crisis team, of which Support Care is a part, Mark had been in a local residential children's unit for six months. A comprehensive mental health assessment had been completed by two CAMHS psychologists recommending Mark be placed in a therapeutic community. The CAMHS service refused to continue working with Mark if he were placed back home with his mother.

The Referral

Following a core assessment, the Child Care Plan proposed re-integration home, supported by continued work with the multi-disciplinary team and a Support Care placement.

The Support Care Placement

The placements were arranged to be over alternate weekends. Mark settled quickly into the placement and the carers developed a positive relationship with his mother. Christmas and other school holidays had been identified as potential crisis times for the family, forming a pattern of previous referrals. As Christmas approached, a review of the existing Support Care plan was held and a revised plan for the holiday period was set up. The support carer agreed to give telephone support to Mark's mother and in the event of a crisis, the family were to be offered a maximum 12-hour placement with the support carer. Additional pre-Christmas and post-Boxing Day Support Care visits with planned activities were arranged.

The Christmas period passed without incident. Both Mark and his mother said it was the best Christmas they had had in years - Mark was particularly thrilled to wake up in his own home on Christmas Day.

The Outcome

Since the Support Care placement began, there has been a significant improvement in Mark's confidence and self-esteem. He had a positive school change and is due to take some of his GCSEs a year early. Mark himself requested an extension to the original Support Care plan and had a successful placement for approximately ten months. Mark has not been looked after since.

The Costs

Original placement in a residential unit
24 weeks X £2000 per week (approximate figure) = £48,000

Support Care placement
Carer's fees & expenses (fortnightly over 36 weeks) = £2,815