Referral And Admission

At Cornerways the therapeutic support and involvement starts at the point of referral. The paperwork on each referral is passed to the MTS (Manager of Therapeutic services) or her assistant for feedback and comments.

At this early stage the MTS considers whether the therapeutic needs of a young woman can be met within Cornerways Children’s Services. This assessment is undertaken by accessing relevant chronological and family histories, reports of behaviour, psychiatric/psychological assessment reports and discussion with the social worker.

Details of any health or mental health needs are gathered in order to ensure that the young women’s needs are met and agreement is reached regarding funding prior to the young women’s admission. In complex cases this information is also discussed with Dr Holmes or Dr Gutjahr before a decision is reached.

The second stage of referral involves a meeting with the referring social worker, Cornerways Senior Manager, Unit Manager, Head Teacher and the MTS or assistant. This provides an opportunity to establish a clearer picture of the young women’s therapeutic needs. Discussion about any previous therapeutic intervention and the need for assessment takes place and a plan is formed.

Where there is some doubt over the suitability of a young woman being admitted to Cornerways the MTS meets with that young woman prior to admission alongside the unit manager. The MTS or assistant meets the young woman as soon as possible following admission (usually within the first two weeks of placement). The purpose of this visit is to introduce the young woman to the therapeutic service and begin the process of getting to know the young woman. Any past experiences of counselling or therapy are discussed and mental health screening questionnaires are given. It is explained to each young women that an assessment is undertaken regarding each young woman as they are admitted to Cornerways in order to ensure that their emotional and mental health needs are understood and can then be met.

The young women are reassured that they will not be sent for therapy against their wishes. The therapeutic services are explained both in terms of what each young woman is able to access and the roles that the MTS and the Assistant hold. Confidentiality is discussed and made clear to the young women.