Archived: Young Addaction - Boston

We do not currently rate independent standalone substance misuse services

We found the following issues that the service provider needs to improve:

• Staff did not always complete or upload all details of a risk assessment onto the electronic database in a timely manner. Staff kept key pieces of paperwork relating to risk management and care planning with them while working away from base. This meant other colleagues might not be aware of, or able to access all risk and care planning information when required in an emergency.

• There was no policy or formal guidance in place for electronic record keeping.

However, we also found the following areas of good practice:

• Clients and carers spoke positively about the service, they felt supported by staff, knew who their key workers were, and said they were always kept informed of meetings and appointments.

• Staff engaged positively with clients to promote recovery. The service used a combination of intervention strategies. Staff were creative in adapting information to meet clients, and carers varied needs and levels of understanding.

• The service had experienced staff to deliver care and there was a low staff turnover rate. The service had not used bank or agency staff in the twelve months before this inspection. One hundred percent of staff had received mandatory training including safeguarding children and young people. Staff were knowledgeable about safeguarding clients. The service prioritised staff supervision and regular team meetings.

• The service provided a variety of information in languages spoken by people who use the service. In addition to this staff encouraged, some clients to use a ‘speak loud’ service via the intranet, this read information in different languages.

• There was strong leadership within the service. Staff spoke positively about the managers. Morale was high and staff were passionate about working with the clients in their service.

• The service had established effective working relationships with local and national agencies and organisations. The service had responded to feedback from external agencies and made changes accordingly, such as reviewing the threshold for safeguarding reports, and enabling staff to work flexibly and away from base.

• Staff were aware of their responsibilities within the Gillick Principles and Fraser Guidelines for under 16’s. The principle and guidelines relate to legal terms used to determine whether to give contraceptive advice or treatment to under 16 year olds without parental consent.