Case Study 4

The service user was 17 years old when the package began and is now 18 years old. The service user has a diagnosis of Frontal Lobe Syndrome, which affects their executive functioning. This presents as symptoms of limited working memory, weak understanding of complex language and difficulties with emotional regulation

North East

Local Authority - Children's Services

Given the nature of the packages we provide, we can't always give the information as to which specific authoity this is under

Introduction

This package was the first we received from a Council and proved to be a great challenge and a steep learning curve. The service user was 17 years old when the package began and is now 18 years old. The service user has a diagnosis of Frontal Lobe Syndrome, which affects their executive functioning. This presents as symptoms of limited working memory, weak understanding of complex language and difficulties with emotional regulation.

This presented a difficult challenge, as we had not previously supported an individual on a 2:1 basis from the Council. As the service user was under 18 when the package began, the bookings consultant had to work alongside our compliance team to ensure staff had both a Children’s and Adult’s DBS. The Standby management team had to liaise with the care team of the young person, to ensure sufficient safeguarding plans and training were put in place to adequately support the individual. Our bookings consultant has had to recruit and use staff who are experienced in supporting young people with Frontal Lobe Syndrome and issues surrounding emotion regulation. These staff members have had to adapt and learn the service user’s crisis plan to provide effective support. Similarly, our consultants had to ensure the necessary documents and training were put in place with staff to ensure an overview of the service user was available, and staff knew what support would be needed.

Furthermore, the young person has a history of seizures and has been fitted with a Vagus Nerve Stimulant to manage their epilepsy. The bookings consultant and Standby staff have had to ensure appropriate training has been put in place to safeguard the service user should they have a seizure – as well as work with the care team to monitor signs or potential triggers of the seizures.

Care Package Overview

There have been issues regarding emotion regulation from the service user, with there being numerous triggers that result in aggressive verbal outbursts and physical damage to their surroundings. The young person had previously been encouraged to attend schooling or and education setting. Unfortunately, the relationship between the service user and the schools broke down due to the inability to manage the young person’s behaviours and emotions. The service has issues relating to emotion regulation, due to their Frontal Lobe Syndrome. 

When the package first began, the service user would be temperamental, verbally abusive, and physically lash out. The young person was also not engaging in any form of education or the community.

After supporting the young person for 12 months, Standby staff have developed a zonal system of ‘Green’, ‘Amber’ and ‘Red’, alongside the care team. These zones help the service user express their emotions and staff members understand them. The service user has shown a reduction in verbal and physical outbursts and staff have worked on finding triggers and understanding what can upset the young person.

Going Forward

There are still some challenges we face with supporting this package, the service user is reluctant to enter and engage with education. Our staff members are actively working with the young person to help create strategies to regulate their emotions so they can effectively engage in schooling. 

The service user has a strained relationship with their family, and their parents are a trigger for them. Staff are working alongside the care team to slowly help rebuild that relations

Case Study 8

Case Study 1

Supporting a 17-year-old who has been in a care institution for the last 2 years. The service user has a history of substance abuse, that has been a family norm since they were a child.

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