Quality and Purpose of Care

Each child has a tailored plan which covers all aspects of the child’s life and needs including

Medical
History medications-treatments, routine health appointments needed, any specific health conditions or dietary requirements

Education
Current school placement or plan to enrol, educational level and targets support for learning, our encouragement to attendance and achievement.

Emotional and Therapeutic Needs
including any trauma, loss, attachment issues) therapeutic interventions planned including therapy sessions, specific therapeutic model used at home, and staff approaches to support emotional well-being (see Section 7 on Therapeutic Care)

Social and Behavioural Support
Behaviour support plan and goals for behaviour. This will include any agreed incentives-rewards and consequences and intervention strategies for crises.

Identity and Culture
Religious, cultural, linguistic background and how these will be respected

Family Contact
Details of who the child is allowed-provided to have contact with and the frequency and type of contact and how staff will support or supervise these contacts if required

Independent Skills
if age appropriate. For older youths targets for developing life skills to prepare for adulthood

Daily Routine and Preferences

Any specific likes or dislikes to incorporate into daily care.

This care plan is shared with the child according to their understanding so they know what the goals and arrangements are. The care plan is a living document and can be changed as the child grows.
Throughout the child’s stay, we encourage them to take an active role in care planning through weekly keywork sessions or just daily conversations. We want each child to feel their care plan is done with them not to them.

Children’s Involvement Voice and Rights
In line with Views, Wishes and Feelings Standard, Ruby House maintains a culture where children know their opinions are fundamental to our ethos matter and their rights are respected.

Children’s meetings
Weekly or bi-weekly child-friendly Children’s House Meeting are held where young people sit down with staff to discuss house issues, plan activities or menus and raise any concerns. The minutes are recorded for follow- up actions and show the kids their suggestions lead to real consideration or change.

One to One Discussion
At least weekly each child has one-to-one time with their Key Worker where they can talk about anything on their mind. The staff uses an active and supportive non-judgmental approach to allow the child to feel safe to disclose worries or wishes.

Respecting Rights
As explained in the Children’s Guide given on admission, we ensure children know their rights regarding to be safe, to be heard, to education, to healthcare, to complain, etc. We have Posters or leaflets regarding children rights and helpline numbers to contact someone outside the home. Staff receive training on children’s rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to uphold these in daily practice.

Anti-Discriminatory Practice
We celebrate diversity and ensure no child feels marginalized because of who they are. Staff are trained to challenge any discriminatory language or bully. We cultivate an environment or mutual respect.

Daily Care, Routines and House Rules
Ruby House strives to provide a structured yet homely daily routine that supports children’s development and well-being. Our daily schedule and house rules are designed to mimic a nurturing family environment while meeting each child’s individual needs and the expectations of good practice.

Therapeutic and Trauma-Informed Care Approach

Many children at Ruby House have experienced trauma, loss, or instability, which contribute to their emotional and behavioural difficulties. Our care approach is therefore explicitly therapeutic and trauma-informed, meaning all staff interactions with the children are grounded in understanding how trauma affects development and behaviour. We aim to provide not just physical care, but also emotional healing and skill-building, consistent with the home’s Statement of Purpose and the Quality and Purpose of Care Standard.

Equality, Diversity, and Cultural Competence
We are fully committed to cultural competence and inclusion in all aspects of care. Ruby House welcomes children from all backgrounds and ensures that their identity and heritage are celebrated and supported. This commitment is part of providing truly personalised care and is integral to meeting the Wishes and Feelings Standard and Quality and Purpose of Care Standard.

Support for the Child
Throughout, we ensure the child gets any necessary support --either medical attention or emotional support. We might arrange special monitoring if the child is very distressed. We will protect the child from contact with an alleged abuser if relevant.

Health and Well-Being
Promoting each child’s health – physical, emotional, and mental – is a core part of our care. We take a holistic approach to well-being, ensuring medical needs are met, healthy lifestyles are encouraged, and emotional/mental health support is readily available. Our practices meet the Health and Well-being Quality Standard, aiming for children to enjoy good health outcomes.