6 September 2016
During a routine inspection
We do not currently rate independent standalone substance misuse services.
We found the following areas of good practice:
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Young people using the service were very positive regarding staff approachability and support. Some young people linked their reduction in substance misuse directly to the help staff had provided.
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The service was proactive in providing positive outreach to the local community including schools, colleges, and youth clubs, to meet the needs of the local population.
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We received very positive feedback from the school leads, and a service commissioner about the service’s reliability, flexibility and responsive and proactive approach.
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Staff from the service worked effectively and productively with a range of other agencies and attended relevant boards including the local safeguarding children board, multi agency safeguarding hub, and multi-agency risk assessment conference.
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Staff provided training and workshops in the local community and attended school and fresher fairs, and parents evenings, to promote the service.
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We saw evidence that further engagement was sought with local primary health care services and minority communities.
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Feedback was sought from young people to look at ways in which the service might improve.
However, we also found the following issues that the service provider needs to improve:
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Staff did not have sufficient training in their work with young people with challenging behaviour and in the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
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There was some variation in the quality of recording of risk assessments, management plans, interventions, and re-engagement support provided to young people.
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Not all young people were offered a copy of their care plan, including a plan for unexpected treatment exit to ensure their safety as far as possible.
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Not all young people’s records were dated. Mental capacity assessments were not sufficiently detailed and not reviewed on a regular basis.