Residential Care Placement Required in North East of England

Durham County Council are looking for an urgent residential placement in the North East region for a 17 year old young man with a diagnosis of autism, moderate learning disability and epilepsy who is under the care of LD/CAMHS. Until recently he lived at home with his parents.

He was referred to the department by his mother in November 2018 as he was demonstrating some violent and challenging behaviour towards her, had run away from home, and parents were struggling to cope with his behaviour from both a practical and emotional sense. X became looked after under section 20 CA 1989.

He does demonstrate complex and challenging behaviours in relation to his autism, and he also self-harms by making superficial cuts to his arms and legs. He has some self-care skills in that he does get his clothes out the night before, but he needs supervision and prompts to ensure that these tasks are carried out correctly.

He likes anything related to transport - particularly lorries and motorbikes, his X Box, Top Trumps and TV programmes such as Tipping Point, The Chase, I'm a Celebrity Get me out of here. He has been living in a supported living service, but this placement has broken down with the care provider issuing notice and a residential care provision is now required.