Referrals

Careful matching is a safeguarding decision

Harmony Haven Housing does not treat an empty bed as a reason to accept a placement. Before admission, the home considers the child's strengths, needs, communication, sensory profile, health, education, risks, staffing requirements, environmental needs and compatibility with any child already living at Our House.

Where practicable, planned admissions allow the child to become familiar with the home, meet staff, see their bedroom and contribute to planning the move. Emergency admissions are considered only where sufficient information supports a defensible safety decision, immediate needs can be met, compatibility has been assessed and staffing is appropriate. Urgent admissions are followed by prompt review of care planning, risk assessment and multi-agency arrangements.

Honest matching before admission

Harmony Haven Housing welcomes appropriate placement enquiries from local authorities and commissioners. Referral information is reviewed against the child's assessed needs, the home's Statement of Purpose, staffing skills, environmental suitability, education and health requirements, safeguarding risks and compatibility with children already living at Our House.

A placement decision is based on whether the home can safely and effectively meet the child's needs. Where further information is required, the home will seek clarification before making a decision. Planned transitions are preferred wherever practicable because they allow children to become familiar with the environment, staff and routines and give the team time to prepare communication, sensory, education, health and safeguarding arrangements around the individual child.