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Child Centred Philosophy.
We ensure that all decisions are based on the needs of the young person, not
the organisation.
This child centred philosophy does not mean that young people are given
licence to behave badly. Rather it means that all aspects of negative behaviour
are challenged directly in a consistent and caring manner.
Staff at Care afloat are committed to the need to challenge negative behaviour
consistently, because it is in the long term interest of the young person concerned.
This often involves a reaction from the young person, which can be abusive and sometimes
violent. We accept that this intimidating behaviour is often a symptom of young people’s
reaction to previous experiences at the hands of adults and, consequently is accepted as
sometimes an inevitable and necessary part of enabling young people to accept the need to
change their behaviour.
We do not employ sanctions, but rather encourage young people to develop appropriate coping
mechanisms by introducing Consequences for negative behaviours. This means that each episode
is seen as a learning opportunity. In our efforts to re-inforce the positive, Consequences are
also used for positive behaviour.
This “enlightened self interest" is crucial if young people are to be enabled to take control
of their behaviour and move on to a more positive future. However, should any young person consistently,
over a period of many months, refuse to engage in their programmes the placement may be terminated. Care
Afloat has only done this rarely during its twenty -year existence.
Placements are NEVER terminated at short notice, with a minimum period of 28 day notice given to the Placing Authority - Guaranteed.
This approach needs time and above all, consistency. Young people often remain for a number of years
with an eventual move to Care Afloat’s own independence and vocational training scheme “ Moving On “.
This approach has enabled Care Afloat to help many young people back into their environment and with continued
support from their Local Authority, they have been able to settle into a more "normal" existence. Most have managed
to radically change the negative behaviour giving cause for concern and many offenders have substantially reduced their
offending behaviour or ceased to offend altogether.
Because sometimes, of the lack of family ties, young people are encouraged to keep in contact with the Care
Afloat organisation after their placement ends, and are invited back for occasional visits.