Making a Referral

Make a referral

To make a referral, or if you would like to discuss any of our services, please contact our Residential Placements Team by calling or send an email info@ardenfernvale.org .

How does the referral process work?

We work collaboratively with local authorities, social workers, commissioning teams, and families throughout the referral and assessment process to ensure every placement is appropriate and carefully planned.

The referral process typically includes:

1. Initial Enquiry or Referral

Referrals are usually made by:

• Local authority placement teams
• Children’s social care teams
• SEND teams
• Commissioners
• Existing professionals involved in the child’s care

Initial information about the child’s needs, risks, education, and support requirements is shared with our management team for review.

2. Assessment and Compatibility Review

We carefully assess:

• The child’s EHCP and care needs
• Autism and learning support requirements
• Emotional and behavioural presentation
• Safeguarding considerations
• Compatibility with other children living in the home

This helps ensure the placement is safe, stable, and suitable for everyone.

3. Multi-Agency Consultation

Where appropriate, we consult with:

• Families and carers
• Social workers
• Schools and education providers
• Therapists and health professionals

This collaborative approach helps us build a clear understanding of the child’s needs and plan appropriate support from day one.

4. Transition and Admission Planning

Once a placement is agreed:

• Transition visits may be arranged
• Introductions to staff and the home are planned sensitively
• Individual care, education, and behaviour support plans are prepared
• Communication approaches are adapted to the child’s needs

Our aim is to make the transition into the home as calm, safe, and positive as possible.

We work as an integrated team in Residential, Education and Assessment & Therapy, in order to offer the best possible solution to referring authorities.

We are pleased to support you in identifying the best options for children and young people whether in an emergency or as part of a planned transition.

We work in close partnership with placing authorities to ensure that the objectives and desired outcome for any child or young person are established prior to, or at the point of, admission. We have high expectations of the professional network, and ourselves ensuring that all are accountable for their roles in enabling every young person to achieve and thrive.

The Placement Journey

We hold integrated case management meetings regularly for each child and young person. This involves the key individuals in the plan of care so that every aspect of the young person’s plan is assessed, and that outcomes stay on track, or that modifications can be made to reflect changing needs. This process is linked to outcomes-monitoring which provides evidence of progress made, identifies the next areas of focus and celebrates achievements.

We strive for the best for the children and young people who are placed with us, and always focus on the next stage of the journey – whether this is to return home, or a step down to foster care, a move to independence or a step down to a residential service with lower staffing ratios.

Make a referral