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Your guide to Bonner House and
your assessment.
Contents
Pages 1. “What is Bonner House?”
Pages 2. “What are the aims of Bonner House?”
Page 3. Summary of the Bonner House ‘Statement of Purpose’
Pages 4. “What do you have at Bonner House?”
Pages 5. “Who works at Bonner House?”
Page 6 & 7. Information on the Executive Team –
Registered Manager and Responsible Individual
Page 8. The first part of your assessment.
Page 9. Sessions you may do.
Page 10. “How will the staff work with me?”
Page 11. Weekly Targets and Priorities
Page 12. Respect of privacy and dignity.
Pages 13 & 14. “What we assess”
Pages 15. Centre rules.
Page 16. Protecting children.
Pages 17 & 18. Complaints procedures.
Page 19 & 20 ‘Ofsted’ and ‘Children’s Rights Commissioner’
Page 21 & 23. Advocacy
Page 24. Resident’s comments and suggestions
Page 25. Resident’s Frequently Asked Questions
1
“What is Bonner House?’
Bonner House is one of the assessment centre’s operated by the non-profit
making charity; Dudley Lodge. Dudley Lodge has two Assessment centre’s –
Dudley Lodge in Coventry and Bonner House in Bourneville, Birmingham. This
booklet is about Bonner House – Birmingham.
We offer an assessment of parenting skill and capacity which are robust, fair and
evidence-based and based on the family’s individual needs.
We offer lots of different types of assessment services, including residential
assessments, day assessments, and community based assessments (assessment in
your own home).
An assessment is a way of learning about your parenting skills and ability to safely
care for your child. Each family has different needs, but when working with you
our aim is to ensure the best outcome for your child is achieved. More
information about how we will assess your parenting is discussed later in this
booklet.
When you move into Bonner House you will generally attend a Placement Plan
meeting to discuss your stay at Bonner House, and the responsibilities and
expectations of all people involved. Once you have moved into Bonner House a
family worker will spend time with you, completing an admissions pack which will
help you learn more about Bonner House.
2
"What are the aims of Bonner House?"
We assess parents in
a supportive
environment that
puts a child’s safety
first. We give parents
advice and support
to help develop their
parenting skills.
We help parents to
understand and
meet the needs of
their child.
We offer information
to parents about child
development and make
sure all children are
kept safe.
3
Summary of Bonner House’s ‘Statement of Purpose’
The Aims of Bonner House are:-
1. To provide high quality services which will be efficient, effective and value for money.
2. To promote independence, respect the dignity, equality and diversity of service users and
assure protection where this is needed.
3. To work in partnership with parents/carers, to empower them and promote their abilities,
through re-education and training in the necessary skills and qualities that will enable their
children to develop in a safe, stable and loving home.
Our Organisational Objectives are:-
1. To ensure the safety and welfare of children remains central to the
assessment/intervention process
2. To undertake and develop family assessments (incorporating the Framework for the
Assessment of Children in Need, and relevant legislation) that effectively inform subsequent
interventions and support packages
3. To work in partnership with parents/carers to improve their abilities, insight and self-
awareness to enable them to safely care for and protect their children
4. To improve and develop services to incorporate the diversity of needs of families requiring
assessment/intervention/support
5. To create a safe environment in which children and parents/carers can gain positive and
beneficial experiences
6. To continually develop the knowledge, awareness, skills and expertise of the staff team
7. To improve and develop the resources and facilities available to families, staff and visitors
8. To develop and sustain effective community networks and partnerships to enhance service
provision.
A full version of the ‘Statement of Purpose’ can be found in your flat information file.
4
"What do you have at Bonner House?"
� 8 (2 three bed-roomed and 6 one bed-roomed flats).
The flats are fully furnished.
� 2 large rooms for meetings or training, 1 small
� Laundry room with two washer/dryer machines.
� A large playroom, equipped with toys for children of various ages.
� A garden area with play equipment.
� Links with other support services including Phoenix Psychology Group,
Flying Start, Relate, Rhythm Time, Sure Start, and the Health Visiting Team.
(Full information on community resources can be found in the area guide in
your flat, and on the resident’s notice board).
5
"Who works at Bonner House - Birmingham?"
� Jim Evans is the Chief Executive of Bonner House and the responsible
individual.
� Carly Davis is the Deputy Chief Executive of Bonner House.
� Rachael White is Registered Manager for Bonner House - Birmingham.
� We have Team/Case Managers; each family has a Team/Case Manager
allocated to them. They hold your Bonner House review meetings and
provide reports.
� We have lots of Family Assessment Workers; all have experience of working
with parents and children and have appropriate qualifications.
� We have a Group Worker.
� We have Waking Night Workers.
� We have office based staff that deal with finance, typing and business
support
� We have a Handyperson and a Housekeeper/Domestic.
6
Executive Team:
Registered Manager and Responsible Individual
Chief Executive Team
Jim Evans is also the responsible individual for Dudley Lodge – Coventry.
He has thirty years experience of working with children and families and over
twenty years experience of managing residential family centres. He has been
employed at Dudley Lodge Family Centre since October 2002. Previously, (since
October 1993) Birmingham Social Services employed him as Centre Manager at
Lea Hall Parenting Assessment Centre. During this time, he was a member of the
Child Protection Resources Panel, which allocates assessment resources.
Throughout this time he has been involved with ‘multi problem’ families where
issues may include ill health, mental illness, poor housing, poverty,
unemployment, domestic violence, alcohol abuse, drug abuse. In addition, some
parents may have learning difficulties.
Carly Davis
Carly Davis, has 13 years experience of working with children and families for
Dudley Lodge. She was then the Registered Manager for Bonner House in
Birmingham for 2 years, and now oversees the operations of both the Coventry
and Birmingham Centre.
She has undertaken a range of training including the completion of an NVQ 3 in
Early Years and Education, NVQ 4 in Management, BA Hons Degree in Social
7
Work, Certified Instructor in Non-violent Crisis Intervention, Child Protection,
Behaviour Management Techniques, Domestic Violence, Crisis Intervention,
Framework for the Assessment of Children and Families in Need, Learning
Disability Awareness, Working with Children with ADHD, Attachment Related
issues, Eating Disorders and Supervision and Management Skills Training.
Rachael White
Rachael White is the registered manager for Bonner House – Birmingham Centre.
She has 10 years experience of working with children and families for Dudley
Lodge. She was a Team/Case Manager prior to becoming the Centre Manager for
Bonner House in 2011.
She has undertaken a range of training including the completion of a BA Honours
Degree in Social Work, Child Protection, Domestic Violence, Framework for the
Assessment of Children and Families in Need, Drug Awareness, working with
parents with learning difficulties, creative interventions with children, working
with resistant families to safeguard children, A.D.H.D awareness, alcohol
awareness, child abuse images and grooming on the internet, working with
children who display sexually harmful behaviour and are at risk of sexual
exploitation. She has also achieved an NVQ Level 4 in Management and
completed training relating to The Parent Assessment Manual with Dr Sue
McGaw.
8
The first part of your assessment will include supervision of
you:
Making up feeds and
sterilising bottles.
Taking your children
out of the centre.
Feeding your children.
Bathing your child.
Changing your child’s
nappy .
9
The different sessions you may be required to do are:
Keeping you and
your child safe and
protected from
harm.
Play sessions and
behavior management.
Cooking sessions and
meal planning.
Budgeting your
money.
Hygiene and housework.
10
"How will the staff work with me?"
� When you move in, you will be given a work plan, this is like a
timetable. Your work plan will explain what sessions of work
you are expected to do and when. It includes the levels of
supervision required for you and your children.
� Staff will work with you in your own flat, supervising you
carrying out tasks with your children. They will complete a
morning visit to see you at 8am so that you know which worker
will be working with you for the day.
� You will have individual sessions with staff on areas you need
support with.
� There are group sessions for you attend.
� Staff will be giving you advice and guidance.
� You have regular feedback on your assessment and your
Team/Case manager will give you Targets and Areas of Priority
every 7 - 10 days to update you. You will always be given the
opportunity to make comments during feedback sessions, and
identify areas you require further support with.
� You will attend regular review meetings to formally discuss
your assessment with your Team/Case Manager, Social
Worker, and other professionals involved in your case. A
11
written review report will be provided for these meetings.
There is a section within this report for your own comments.
Targets and Areas of Priority
Every time staff work with you they write notes about what they
have observed, you can read these notes if you wish by making an
appointment with your allocated Team/Case Manager.
Your allocated Team/Case manager will use the information from
your notes to devise ‘Targets and Areas of Priority’. They will read
and discuss this with you and you will have an opportunity to give
your own feedback, list additional targets, and identify areas you
need support with.
12
‘How will staff ensure they respect my privacy and dignity?’
� Staff will knock your flat door before entering. If there is an
emergency, staff have access to an emergency key to enter
flats.
� If you need to meet with a Solicitor or Social Worker, we have a
room where you can talk in private.
� If you need to make a private telephone relating to your
assessment then you can use the office phone.
� If Audio/Video monitoring is needed as part of your
assessment, staff will clearly explain why it is being used, and
your consent will be obtained. You are able to freely use your
own baby monitors within your flat to listen to/see your baby.
13
Bonner House assesses you on the following areas:
Basic care: Feeding, bathing, hygiene etc.
Ensuring safety and Protection: Making sure your child is kept safe and
supervising them at all times. Including protecting them from people
who pose a risk.
Emotional Warmth: Showing your children love and affection, and
understanding their needs.
14
Stimulation: Playing and talking with your child, providing
appropriate toys.
Guidance and Boundaries: Dealing with unwanted behaviour
appropriately, and praising good behavior.
Stability: Providing your child with a routine and a stable and secure
environment.
15
Family history and functioning: The relationship between all family
members and any problems you may have had in the past.
Wider Family: How aunts, uncles, parents, grandparents and siblings
support you and your children? Are there any difficulties?
Housing: Do you have a property? What support do you need in this
area?
Employment and Income: Do you work? If so how do you manage
this alongside caring for your children and how do you manage your
money?
16
Centre Rules
� No violence, physical or verbal will be tolerated. Physical violence
towards anyone in the Centre will result in you being told to leave
and the police will be informed.
� If you are sexist or racist to a member of staff or another resident,
it is extremely likely you will be told to leave the Centre.
� You must not look after other residents' children or leave your
children with them.
� Parents are not allowed to drink alcohol on the premises. If you
have an alcohol problem, support groups or rehabilitation
programmes should be identified and attended.
� Any of your children’s medicines must be stored in the office until
you have demonstrated that you can administer it appropriately.
� No person is allowed to use or bring illegal drugs into Bonner
House. If staff have concerns, the police will be called and a
thorough search of the building will be carried out.
� Any visitors to the Centre must be approved by the Social Worker
prior to visiting Bonner House.
A copy of the Centre rules will be included in your admission pack.
17
Protecting Children and Parents under the age of 18
� All staff are responsible for protecting children and young people
and must report any concerns they have.
� If staff know or feel abuse has taken place then the appropriate
professionals will be informed.
� All staff at Bonner House have been police checked through the
Disclosure and Barring Service.
� All personal visitors to the centre must be approved by the
residents Social Worker prior to their visit.
� If residents have any concerns about the welfare of any
child/young person living at the centre they should report their
concerns to a member of staff.
18
Other ways to complain:
If a person does not wish to bring their complaint directly to Dudley
Lodge, they can go through other people such as their Social Worker,
Solicitor or Children’s Guardian.
A person can also complain directly to:
A) Their placing Local Authority.
Or
B) Ofsted
Telephone: 0300 123 1231
Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk
Email: [email protected]
19
What is Ofsted?
Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and
Skills. They report directly to Parliament and are independent and
impartial. They inspect and regulate services which care for children
and young people, and those providing education and skills for learners
of all ages, including Dudley Lodge.
Sir Michael Wilshaw is Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector – He is
responsible for Ofsted’s inspection and regulation services, and reports
annually on the quality of education, children's services and skills in
England.
Lorna Fitzjohn is the Regional Director of West Midlands, she is
responsible for the quality of inspection and the improvement of
providers in the region.
Suzanne Young is the inspector allocated to Bonner House.
Children’s Rights Commissioner
Anne Longfield is the Children's Commissioner for England.
She has a legal duty to
and young people in England with a particular focus on
difficulties or challenges in their lives, and in particular those living
away from home, in or leaving care, or receiving social care services
Children and Young people are those up aged
they have been in care, are care leavers or have a disability
Her work focuses on making sure that adults in charge, or making
decisions, listen to what children and young people say
that affect them. She encourages adults, including the people making
decisions about children's lives, always to take their rights, views and
interests into account.
Advice guidance and assistance
If you are child or young person who lives aw
receives social care, who needs advice or assistance, you can call the
Children’s Commission on:
Or email:
The postal address is:
The Office of the Children's Commissioner, Sanctuary Buildings
20 Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BT
20
Children’s Rights Commissioner
is the Children's Commissioner for England.
She has a legal duty to promote and protect the rights of all children
in England with a particular focus on
difficulties or challenges in their lives, and in particular those living
away from home, in or leaving care, or receiving social care services
Children and Young people are those up aged 18 years, or
they have been in care, are care leavers or have a disability
Her work focuses on making sure that adults in charge, or making
decisions, listen to what children and young people say
that affect them. She encourages adults, including the people making
decisions about children's lives, always to take their rights, views and
interests into account.
Advice guidance and assistance
If you are child or young person who lives away from home or who
receives social care, who needs advice or assistance, you can call the
Children’s Commission on: 0800 528 0731
The Office of the Children's Commissioner, Sanctuary Buildings
20 Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BT
is the Children's Commissioner for England.
tect the rights of all children
in England with a particular focus on those with
difficulties or challenges in their lives, and in particular those living
away from home, in or leaving care, or receiving social care services.
18 years, or 25 years if
they have been in care, are care leavers or have a disability.
Her work focuses on making sure that adults in charge, or making
decisions, listen to what children and young people say about things
that affect them. She encourages adults, including the people making
decisions about children's lives, always to take their rights, views and
ay from home or who
receives social care, who needs advice or assistance, you can call the
The Office of the Children's Commissioner, Sanctuary Buildings
21
Independent Advocacy
Independent Advocacy offer a range of services across Coventry, Warwickshire and
Solihull.
The Independent Advocates support people to gain access to information and explore
and understand their options. They speak on behalf of people who are unable to speak
for themselves, or choose not to do so.
They aim to help people by supporting them to express their own informed decisions
and safeguard people who are vulnerable or discriminated against or whom services
find difficult to support.
Call, email or fax...
Independent Advocacy
Avenue M
Stoneleigh Park
Warwickshire
CV8 2LG
Tel: 024 7669 7443
Fax: 024 7669 6851
Email: [email protected]
22
POhWER delivers information, advice, support and advocacy services throughout England, including the
West Midlands and Warwickshire.
POhWER aim to support people who face difficult issues and want to make their voice heard.
All POhWER's services are free, independent and confidential.
Advocacy plays a big part in the services we provide. Advocacy is about:
• Ensuring people have the information they need to make the right choices for them,
• Supporting people to speak up and be heard,
• Helping people to secure their rights, and the services and support they need,
• Enabling people to play a full part in their communities.
An advocate will listen to you, help you talk to people and ask them questions, go to meetings with you, help
you understand information given to you, and your rights, make telephone calls for you and write letters with
you.
An advocate will not tell you what to do, talk to people you don't want them to talk to or keep information from
you.
POhWER advocates are highly trained and independent.
VoiceAbility work with people across England, including Birmingham to:
• Express their views and wish
• Secure their rights
• Have their interests represented
• Access information and services
• Explore choices and options
Address: St Andrew's Healthcare, 70 Dogpool Lane,
Tel: 0121 4322112
Please ask if you require further information on advocacy services.
23
VoiceAbility work with people across England, including Birmingham to:
Express their views and wishes
Have their interests represented
Access information and services
Explore choices and options
70 Dogpool Lane, Stirchley, Birmingham, B30 2XR
Please ask if you require further information on advocacy services.
B30 2XR
24
“We hope that you find your assessment a positive
experience as many other families have”
We welcome resident’s comments and suggestions. Suggestions forms
can be found in your flat, and on the suggestions post box located near
the main office. Feedback on your experience is also sought as part of
the evaluation process.
“They have helped us a
lot, it’s had a positive
effect on ourselves and
we have been given the
right advice”
“It has made me more
confident and a good
mum to my son”
“The staff are very easy
to talk to and get help
and advice from”
“I feel I have a lot of
support from staff and
feel I can approach
them if I have any
worries”
Comments from past
residents
25
Residents Frequently Asked Questions
Families who have actually lived at Bonner House, and experienced the
assessment process have contributed to content this guide and also
devised a list Frequently Asked Questions. These are questions that
they had themselves before moving into Bonner House.
Q: What do I have to bring with me?
A: Your flat is ready for you to move into, all furniture, kitchen
equipment, and a television is supplied. We will provide larger items for
your baby i.e. a baby bath, cold water steriliser and highchair, but any
other items your child/baby needs will need to be provided by yourself,
i.e. toys, bouncer chair, pushchair etc.
You will need to bring your own and your child’s clothing and toiletries.
A small food welcome pack is provided for your first night at the centre.
You are welcome to being personal effects, i.e. photographs and
ornaments to make your flat feel more like your own home.
Q: Will I have to share my flat with other residents?
A: You do not have to share any of your flat facilities with other
residents. All flats have their own kitchen, bathroom, living room and
bedroom. Residents have a shared laundry.
26
Q: Who works at Bonner House?
A: Bonner House employs a wide range of staff, each having relevant
qualifications and experience. We have a ‘Who works at Bonner House’
notice board in the centre, displaying staff photo’s and their role.
Q: Can I visit Bonner House before I move in?
A: Of course, we actively encourage families to visit the centre prior to
moving in. You can arrange this through your Social Worker, or Solicitor.
At the request of a resident, we are hoping to be able to offer an online
virtual tour of the centre, for families that live further away and are
unable to visit prior to moving in.
Q: Can I smoke at Bonner House?
A: We have an outside, covered smoking shelter for residents to use
during their stay. For health and safety reasons, no smoking is allowed
inside your flat, or any other areas of the building. During the night, the
centre’s security system is in use, so unfortunately there is no smoking
after 10pm.
Q: How long will I need to stay at Bonner House?
A: Every family’s circumstances are different and each will stay at
Bonner House for different amounts of time. On average, a typical stay
is between 6-12 weeks.
27
Q: Are you on camera/being filmed whilst living at Bonner House?
A: There is no CCTV or fixed cameras in any areas of resident’s flats. If
during your assessment video/audio monitoring is required, portable
monitors may be used. However, your consent will obtained, and the
reasons for the monitoring being used will be explained.
Q: Do you offer any activities or events for residents?
A: We have various groups that occur each week, including a Resident’s
Meeting, a Stay and Play, and Educational Groups (focusing on
protection work and self esteem).
We hold social events to celebrate different cultural events, i.e. Easter,
Eid, Diwali Thanksgiving, Christmas, Ramadan etc.
We also organise outings at various points through the year to local
places of interest, i.e. Sealife Centre, Cadbury World, Drayton Manor
etc.
Q: What is near Bonner House?
A: Bonner House is a residential setting in Bourneville which is 5 miles
from Birmingham City Centre.
There are a number of local amenities near Bonner House and the
supermarkets Sainsbury’s and Aldi are in close proximity. Katie Road GP
and Health Visitors within walking distance as are local parks, schools,
college’s and children’s activity centre’s.
28
There are two local train stations near Bonner House and a there are
number of bus routes nearby this means the Centre is accessible to
Birmingham City Centre and Northfield high street. Additionally there
are banks, a post office and the job centre local to the area.
Q: Can my friends/family visit me at Bonner House?
A: We encourage friends and family to visit you during your time here,
however all visitors must be approved by your Social Worker before they
visit the centre.
29
Bonner House
172 Sellywood Road
Bourneville
Birmingham
B30 1TJ
Main Bonner House Telephone: 0121 472 7474
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.dudleylodge.com
Bonner House
“Valuing Children and their families”
