Devon Children's Trust


Person Centred Approach

Different tools of Person Centred Planning

On this page you will find brief descriptions of some of the tools that can be used to support a person centred approach. The tools will be suitable at different times for different individuals. The tools are designed to be used in a context of empowerment, inclusion and a belief in the potential of the individual child or young person.

Person Centred Transition reviews-Essential lifestyle planning

This style of review is designed to place the young person and their family at the centre of planning for now and in the future.  It is based on Essential Lifestyle planning, which was originally developed in America, and has been adapted by Helen Sanderson in the UK for use with young people in Transition. People in Devon are now using this style of review for young people with additional needs; children in care and care leavers.
The key principle is about putting young people and their families at the heart of the planning process and any decision making. Person centred reviews look and feel different; are facilitated rather than chaired; and look at a young person’s whole life, not just their education. Everybody’s perspectives are valid and valuable, and the review encourages everyone to support the young person to achieve as much independence as possible, as an active citizen and member of their community.

The reviews help everyone to understand the young person, and what is important ‘to’ them, and what is important ‘for’ them. It looks at what is working and not working from different perspectives and develops and develops an action plan.

This approach can be used for most planning meetings and reviews, and at times of change or important decision making.

 

Good quality preparation ensures everyone can participate in the review.

Young people, families and professionals must be well prepared to participate and contribute to the meetings, and the action plan should be a working document with specific and achievable actions. Individuals and organisations have to be prepared to challenge assumptions and change how they work.
The review should be part of a larger person centred approach and planning process, to ensure better outcomes for young people and families.

Preparation and planning for this could include

  

Core Promise

The Core Promise has been developed by Ellen Tinkham School in Exeter and partners,  and brings together a number of tools and a working ethos. It reliably captures student voice and embeds safeguarding into every aspect of provision. The Core Promise empowers individuals to impact on service design and delivery.
The Core Promise includes;

 

More information on the Core Promise is available here (insert Ellen Tinkham Core Promise document) and support to design and deliver your own version of this can be obtained by contacting us.

MAPS and PATH

MAPS and PATH are creative person centred planning tools designed to identify do-able action steps in the direction of desirable futures.  Both MAPS and PATH can be used with a person, family, or an organisation. Both need welcoming locations and include the people who support the person in focus, or the key actors in the organisation. Both get to specific next steps. Both use coaching and graphic facilitation.
The major difference between the tools is their starting focus- A MAP starts by understanding where someone is now; a PATH focuses on where someone gets to get to.
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Training in how to use these tools is available from Devon Person Centred Planning-Kathi Connick