The beginning of the placement
A young person joined one of our residential homes following a period of significant vulnerability. Before arriving, they had frequently been reported missing from care and were known to be at risk of child sexual exploitation.
At the beginning of the placement, there were concerns surrounding unsafe relationships, online activity, emotional regulation and the young person’s understanding of risk. Their sleep, nutrition and engagement with professionals were also inconsistent, further increasing concerns for their wellbeing.
Creating safety and stability
The team introduced a structured, safeguarding-led approach to manage the immediate risks. Any restrictions were carefully considered and regularly reviewed to ensure the young person remained safe while being supported towards greater independence.
A clear reduction plan enabled restrictions to be gradually and appropriately reduced as progress was made. Since moving into the home, the young person has not experienced any further missing-from-care episodes—representing a significant improvement in their safety and stability.
Through regular conversations and a relationship-based approach, the young person has also developed a greater awareness of exploitation and unsafe relationships. Support around phone use has encouraged increased openness and reduced secrecy, although online safety continues to form an important part of their ongoing support.
Support during pregnancy
Throughout the young person’s pregnancy, the team has provided consistent and responsive support. They have attended almost all their healthcare appointments, including appointments with midwifery services and additional scans.
When concerns have arisen, staff have responded promptly by providing guidance, seeking professional advice and supporting the young person to access appropriate healthcare.
The team has worked closely with healthcare professionals to ensure the young person feels informed and empowered to make decisions while appropriate safeguarding measures remain in place. Support with nutrition and wellbeing has also led to positive improvements.
Developing skills for adulthood and parenthood
As traditional education had previously been difficult for the young person to engage with, the home adapted its approach to focus on practical life skills and vocational development.
Their daily routine has become more settled, with improvements to sleeping patterns and general wellbeing. The team has also provided practical budgeting support, helping the young person develop a more realistic understanding of financial responsibility and the costs associated with preparing for a baby.
Regular key-work sessions have covered emotional wellbeing, healthy relationships, online safety, parenting and independent living. Positive relationships with trusted adults in the home have helped the young person begin to recognise their emotions and identify healthier coping strategies.
Looking towards the future
When engaged, the young person is insightful and contributes positively to decisions about their support. They have shown a strong commitment to their baby’s health and benefit from supportive relationships with members of their family.
Since joining the home, both the number and severity of the risks surrounding the young person have reduced. They are safer, engaging more consistently with healthcare and developing the practical and emotional skills needed for the future.
The nurturing, structured and therapeutically informed environment has supported the young person through an exceptionally vulnerable period. Although continued support will be important, the progress made demonstrates the positive difference that consistent relationships, effective safeguarding and personalised care can achieve for both a young person and their baby.
*This case study has been anonymised. Names, locations, service names, dates and some contextual details have been removed or generalised to protect the identity of the young person and others involved.