Program Philosophy Program Philosophy
There is intrinsic good in each young person. Each of them is honoured
as being unique and is guided and encouraged to take resposibility for his life.At the same time we recognize that growth occurs differently for each individual. We also recognize that all staff are role models and offer not only to their pupils,but to each other,gifts of strength,support,encouragement and hope. The young person can be competent and successfulOut of control /disruptive/unacceptable behaviour may be expected but not condoned. At the same time,the young person must feel safe from the fear of rejection when lapses in behaviour occur.Discipline is seen as a way of giving new information about self,rather than as a way of modifying behaviour. This opens the way for the child to make ongoing discoveries of more helpful and acceptable behaviour.The young person needs to be alive to his future possibilities,so that what he learns now will make a difference next time A Practise-Research model which establishes an evolving program,one capable of being adapted
that what ever is done must be capable of allowing further,future change.Because St.Vincent's is' experimenting' with solutions,rather than deploying known technologies -which have proved unsatisfactory-the experimental dimention must guide the structure.So that the necessary and essential evaluation is carried out as the program is implemented,there needs to be:appropriate research elements
Permanency planning. This is a need for each person to be linked closely with his own natural family or nearest possible alternative as much as possible and at all timesA Contextual Approach.* While not a model,this seeks to frame the placement as a period of practise,and helps to create a climate which does not perpetuate feelings of failure.
