We provide 24 hr Support and Assessment specific to an individuals needs whilst encouraging the development of the feelings, skills and knowledge necessary in establishing good parental foundations. We promote a parent's emotional wellbeing as we believe a happy parent makes a happy child.

Our Residential Family Centre model is built around a proxy family atmosphere, something some users may never have experienced. Our maximum occupancy at each centre is 3 women plus their children. We feel smaller numbers make the support more personal and family orientated, meaning more positive outcomes can be accomplished in shorter timescales.

If a parent's ability to care for their child is in doubt, a well-informed decision has to be made about their future together. During their occupation many users will be subject to an assessment. A thorough assessment can be undertaken lasting up to 12 weeks, residents are also able to stay for pro-longed periods depending on their support needs & the progress that's made during their stay. We can also accommodate short term stays offering a safe environment for a variety of needs such as Foster Family breakdown, respite or general supported living.

Maternal Matters Staff Teams deliver guidance & support to help enable the young mothers to develop the skills, knowledge & feelings that are necessary to protect their child's wellbeing, safety and protection from harm. Our Staff Teams also empower young women to work positively towards achieving independent living by developing their daily living skills & promote routes into E.E.T (Employment Education and Training).

Once a mother has made sufficient progress and is ready to move on (perhaps with partner to help establish the family unit, Maternal Matters can taper the support using a transitional support pathway and are able to supply a self contained, furnished apartment accommodation within a low occupancy supported lodging type environment with 24 hour on site support. This will be within the local community they've become familiar with and supported by, but also with the benefit of positive controlled steps to independent living. In accordance with the users needs, Daily Floating Support can be delivered by the key workers within the Staff Team they've already developed relationships with.

Once a family has made sufficient progress and is ready to move on, Maternal Matters can offer seamless ongoing support via our tapered support pathway.

Stage 1: Residential assessment and/or support
Stage 2: Longer term residential support and ongoing assessment for mums under 16 or post 16 with more complex needs.
Stage 3: Self contained accommodation with 24 hr onsite support. Available to mums and dads 16+ yrs
Stage 4: Floating support delivered in accordance with needs in a family's own home.

This complete model of Support and Assessment has been developed with the aim of early intervention/assessing immediate threats, utilising:

• P.A.M.s (Parenting Assessment Manual by Dr. Sue McGaw)
• Supporting a young woman's transition into motherhood & developing a maternal bond, utilising: Webster Stratton Parenting Training and NCAST - Attachment based work.
• Working towards 'Every Child Matters 5 Outcomes'.
• Providing needs based ongoing support, assisting with the integration into society & healthy independent living as a family unit.