What is the IR Scheme?
As an advocacy and support service, the Independent Representation (IR) Scheme aims to ensure that the views, opinions and concerns of young people in Lakewood Secure Care Centre are heard, receive serious consideration and are responded to in a considered way.
The Independent Representative (IR) visits each Lakewood unit bi-weekly to meet with young people, listen to their concerns, and support them in raising issues.
The IR Scheme enhances The Sanctuary Model adopted at the Lakewood Secure Care Centre and reflects the Centre’s commitment to valuing the views and concerns of young people.
How can the IR Scheme help me?
- Independent Representatives ensures the views and concerns of young people in Lakewood are heard, taken seriously, and responded to.
- Visits to the Centre last between one and two hours, during which young people have the option to speak to the team individually or in groups. Visits can also be held in private for more sensitive issues.
- The team listens and records any issues or requests for information that the young people may have. The team then raises these concerns with designated Lakewood staff.
- Issues are responded to as promptly as possible. Where appropriate, the team will encourage and support young people to raise their issues directly with Centre staff. If issues remain unresolved and require further action, the project worker will follow up with management and seek a response.
- Young people can also telephone the IR project worker during office hours outside of planned visits.
- At the request of the young person, the project worker can attend any review or meeting in relation to that young person. The team will also contact external agencies on behalf of the young person, where appropriate.
- Lakewood staff inform the team of new admissions to the Centre so that introductions to the Scheme can be made during the next visit.
How do i get support?
This service is open to all young people in Lakewood.
For more information, call 028 9032 0157 or contact us.