Continuity of Care

There have been enormous changes in the looked after care sector in the last five years. These changes combined with emerging trends and patterns in care have had a great impact on the delivery of services to children and young people.  The current climate, therefore, presents both challenges and opportunities.  It is with this back ground that we are developing a 'Continuity of Care Model' within the looked after sector.

What do we mean?

In the simplest sense, it is - 'the co-ordination of care services received by the young person over time which takes them from inner state to another'.

On defining a 'continuity of care model' at Mosaic, we have realised that it is a comprehensive vehicle for the delivery of care services, with three key components: understanding the course of care for specific individuals, identifying the needs of the individual along the continuum of care for specific diagnosis, and the provision of services throughout this period by a constant team of carer’s and professionals for each individual.

This model promotes the care team’s developments of a knowledge base; where learning is focused on the comprehensive needs and understanding of the individual young person in our care.  This is then used to engage, support and develop lasting relationships, setting clear boundaries and promoting self-confidence and aspiration to change.  The model therefore provides:

  1. Stability of placement
  2. Achievement 
  3. Personal development – through ‘life management skills’

How do we achieve this?

We achieve 'continuity of care' by establishing an integrated practice of residential care, and therapeutic input into the whole process from the referral of the young person to their exit from Mosaic.

How do we achieve 'integration'? By working through an outcome model in all areas of our practice, which gives us the joined up thinking we require.  We make sure two parallels are adhered to:

Development of the Young person - by taking a young person from one state of 'behavioural / emotional, to another, and accompanying this with personal development plans.

Development of all residential staff - development beyond NVQ Level 3 up to Foundation Degree level and beyond.

How does the young person benefit?

The young person (YP) benefits in a number of ways:

  • An outcome model and measurement linked to a comprehensive assessment puts a real emphasis on the staff to work more productively with the YP
  • Development of staff and their expertise will allow greater therapeutic input into the process of  care for the YP
  • A continuity approach gives consistency and stability to the YP
  • A real focus on educational achievement and life management skills will prepare a YP better for the future.

How do Local Authorities benefit?

Our primary customers, the Local Authorities, gain in a number of ways:

  • A continuity of placements makes their life easier
  • A measured outcomes approach makes accountability and reporting more open and transparent
  • An earlier realisation of whether the placement is working for the YP.  

Research has also shown that the use of a continuity of care model is cost effective as it improves the delivery of services by increasing efficiency. As a result, there is a decrease in duplication of services. For example, one Social Worker establishes a relationship with Prospects in a planned way; we conduct a variety of assessments and develop a placement plan for intervention which involves a movement across our services over time; from short term care, to long term care to transitional care to independence/ supported living.