Family Support

On occasions, some Deaf or hearing impaired young people will present extremely challenging and complex behaviours in their family home or care placement. The risks associated with these behaviours can be worrying for families, professionals and advocates who may feel they need specialist support at this time.

The Signpost team are often able to provide immediate support to families who find themselves in such difficult situations. This may be to temporarily support the young person in their family home whilst further assessments are undertaken or to work with families to consider whether or not the young person would benefit from a specialist placement at Signpost.

Understandably for a parent of a vulnerable child, considering a residential care placement will be a worrying and daunting prospect. Parents who are considering this option are very welcome to come and visit Signpost to see the homes and meet the staff team.

If a placement at Signpost is agreed as being the most appropriate option for a young person, the staff team will work with the young person, their family and other professionals to ensure the young person is prepared for their placement. Once at Signpost, young people are encouraged and supported to  make good use of technology such as webcams, emails and skype to facilitate regular interaction with the individuals who are important to them. Each young person is assigned a keyworker who has a remit to form a professional relationship with the family and ensure they are kept up to date at least once a week with news of any progress or difficulties.

Signpost supports individuals to regularly visit family and friends. The level of support provided during these visits is tailored to each individual's needs and wishes.

Signpost is committed to ensuring that young people maintain effective and meaningful relationships outside of the organisation as these are essential to ensure the young person makes an effective and supported transition into independent living.