Complex Needs & Dual Diagnosis Care in Essex

A placement is complex when the combination, severity or interaction of conditions requires highly specialist skills, robust risk management, intensive MDT coordination and a care team with specific expertise. This includes dual diagnosis, significant challenging behaviour, complex medical needs alongside behavioural needs, or a history of multiple placement breakdowns.

Yes. We actively accept these referrals. We take time to understand what has not worked and why, and design our approach to address those factors. We are transparent about what we can offer and what the realistic challenges are.

Risk management is dynamic, not static. It begins with thorough assessment at placement and is reviewed regularly — particularly after significant incidents. We have clear protocols for specific risk types and all staff are trained in their individual service user's risk management plan.

Yes. Where individuals have been supported using physical interventions, we actively work to reduce these using PBS-led approaches, environmental modifications and relationship-based strategies. Any physical intervention is a last resort, proportionate, documented and reviewed.

For the most complex placements, we typically require a minimum of two weeks to complete assessment, recruit and train the team, adapt the environment and finalise plans. For urgent situations including hospital step-downs, we work as quickly as safely possible while maintaining quality standards.