Case Study

Tamara manages a respite care home for children and young people with disabilities. Most of the children who come for breaks are on the autistic spectrum and/or have challenging behaviour. James has come in for a week-long break, and has come to the home for short breaks in the past and so is familiar with the setting and the staff. On this visit, however, Tamara has seen a change in James. He appears agitated and his behaviour has become more challenging. There has been a change in his medication and his parents have expressed concerns about the change. Over the course of the evening and next day Tamara becomes even more concerned about James’ behaviour and she becomes concerned for the safety of her staff and the other children. The family have gone out of the country on a short break and so he cannot be returned home easily.

1. Thinking about partnership working with other organisations, who or where can Tamara go for advice and help?
2. What can she do?

It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the responses you have to the above scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague or friend and ask them to tell you whether they think you have responded appropriately. Ask them to challenge your response if necessary. You do not need to submit this task for assessment unless asked to do so by your assessor.