Keeping young people at home, in school and with their families
Psychology-led, intensive support for children and young people on the edge of care, shaped around the outcomes that matter to each family and to you.
Step in before a placement is needed
A residential placement can cost in the region of £300,000 a year, often for many years, and these costs are rarely planned. IPS gives you a way to step in earlier, at significantly lower cost, with support that reduces as things improve.
We look at the whole child: their mental and physical health, their emotional needs and what sits behind their behaviour. Rooted in psychology and Positive Behaviour Support, IPS creates a safer, more predictable environment at home and at school, teaches new skills to replace behaviours that challenge, and gives families practical tools that last.
IPS is outcome-led rather than hours-led. The purpose, frequency, place and length of support are set by the outcomes agreed with you, the young person and their family, and we review them as needs change.
IPS at a glance
13
Local authorities
Commissioning or referring to our IPS service.
5+
Age range
From age five, with support that can continue through the move into adulthood.
365
Days a year
Support available every day of the year.
100%
Staff trained
In PACE, Positive Behaviour Support and PRICE, with Level 3 safeguarding refreshed every six months (August 2026).
For young people with the most complex needs
We work with young people whose needs are complex and often overlapping, including:
- Young people with autism, ADHD or special educational needs
- Young people at risk of child sexual exploitation, or affected by gangs or county lines
- Young people whose behaviour stems from neglect or instability
- Families on the edge of crisis who need support to stay together
We can also be commissioned to work directly with parents and carers, or with young adults, where that’s the right route to the outcome.
How IPS works with each family
Step 1
Agree the outcomes
We meet the social worker, family and young person to agree what success looks like, and ask the young person and family what they want to work on first.
Step 2
The right match
We match staff to each young person and keep communication calm and simple to reduce anxiety.
Step 3
Structure and routine
Together we build routine and consistency at home and at school, using practical tools such as visual boards.
Step 4
Review and adapt
Progress is reviewed regularly against the agreed outcomes, and the package changes as needs change.
Step 5
Change that lasts
We focus on routines, skills and confidence that families can carry forward. Our aim is to work ourselves out of a job.
A flexible package around each young person
Commissioned as a package or as individual elements.
- Family-centred Positive Behaviour Support
- Functional behaviour assessments and behaviour support plans
- Clinical assessment, formulation and treatment plans
- Diagnostic assessments
- Parenting support, including Non-Violent Resistance approaches
- Mentoring and support in the community
The expertise to understand what sits underneath
IPS is overseen by a consultant forensic psychologist and delivered by psychologists, behaviour analysts and Positive Behaviour Support practitioners, alongside colleagues from youth offending, education and residential care backgrounds, and people with lived experience.
That mix helps us relate to young people and spot what others might miss, from signs of exploitation to subtle changes in behaviour.
“Behaviour is a language. For some of our young people, it’s the only one they have. When we realise that their actions are their communication, we can start truly listening, easing their anxieties and finally understanding what sits underneath.”
Kirsty Johnston, IPS Service Lead
Outcomes we work towards with you
- Young people supported at home by their family
- More engaged in education
- Better understanding and support from school staff
- Fewer behaviours that challenge, and more adaptive ones
- Greater awareness of emotions
- A greater sense of stability and contentment
Safe, well-governed support for complex young people
Every member of staff is trained to at least Level 3 in safeguarding, refreshed every six months, and supervised by a Level 5 safeguarding lead. Our processes link directly to local safeguarding boards.
We work closely with social workers, schools, health professionals and other agencies, so everyone understands the purpose of the support and the outcomes we’re working towards.
Let’s talk about the young people in your area
If you commission or refer to services for children and young people on the edge of care, we’d welcome a conversation about how IPS could help.
