Mission statement
To provide a safe, supportive, and stable home for parents and their babies where their parenting skills and capacity are assessed in a robust, fair, and evidence-based manner. The primary focus is the welfare and needs of children, whilst enabling parents to develop the skills required to live independently with their children.
Ethos
Yahweh House is a residential family centre which provides a safe, supportive, secure environment for parents or expectant parents who the referring authority deems to need additional support and assessment prior to re-integration into society.
Model of Care
The unit provides accommodation for up to six families from the age of 16 (the Parent), and their children (up to the age of 5-year-old). Prior to any family being accepted into Yahweh House, the Registered Manager ensures that their admission will not negatively impact on any families who are currently residing at the unit. To do so, they complete an impact risk assessment, which encompasses the risks of the current families in placement and risks that may pertain to the local area.
National Minimum Standards for Residential Family Centre
We are not able to offer placements to parents with severe physical disabilities, including wheelchair users, due to the internal design of the home. We uphold and abide by the values outlined within the National Minimum Standards for Residential Family Centre (2013), which are that:
Each parent and child are valued is an individual and has his or her wishes and feelings listened to taken into account.
Each parent has a fair assessment of their parenting skills and capacity, and is given individualised support, in line with their abilities, needs, and background.
Each child feels protected and safe, and benefits from effective parenting.
There is a genuine partnership between all those involved in the residential family centres to deliver the best possible outcomes for parents and children, including the Government, local authorities, family courts and other statutory agencies, such as CAFCASS.
In addition, we adhere to the Care Standards Act 2000, the Children’s Act 2004, the Children and Families Act 2014, and the Department of Health Framework for the assessment of Children and Families (2000) along with working in partnership across multi agencies in order to ensure that good outcomes are achieved for all the parents and children within our service.
We provide robust, fair and evidence-based assessments of parenting skills and capacity, based on the family’s individual needs, in a safe and comfortable setting. We ensure that our service provides the basis for securing positive outcomes for children and reducing risks to their welfare and safety.
What is parenting capacity?
A simple definition is: "the ability to parent in a 'good enough' manner long term" (Conley, 2003). According to a survey of practitioners' perceptions of 'good enough' parenting, there are four elements:
meeting children's health and developmental needs
putting children's needs first
providing routine and consistent care
acknowledging problems and engaging with support services
From the same survey, risky parenting was associated with:
neglecting basic needs;
putting adults' needs first
chaos and lack of routine
and an unwillingness to engage with support services (Kellett and Apps, 2009)
Our Assessment Tool – Parent Assess Framework
The ParentAssess Framework is a specialised social work assessment tool developed in 2016 to evaluate the parenting capacity of parents with learning disabilities and other additional needs. It is designed to make the assessment process accessible and understandable, ensuring parents are fully involved and aware of each step. The process uses visual aids, interactive tools, and a straightforward "traffic light system" to communicate findings clearly, helping parents identify their strengths and areas for improvement. Assessors gather information on both emotional and practical aspects of parenting, using adaptable methods that consider cultural and individual differences.
ParentAssess offers several benefits: it reduces anxiety by simplifying complex information, empowers parents through active engagement, and provides targeted, culturally sensitive feedback. For social workers, it ensures a systematic, evidence-based approach that highlights both risks and protective factors. The evidence base is generated through direct observation, structured interviews, and interactive assessments, all documented in clear, easy-read reports. This approach not only supports fair and equitable decision-making but also enhances the likelihood of positive outcomes for families involved in childcare proceedings.
Our Location
Located in the heart of Sandy, Bedfordshire (SG19 1EX), Yahweh House offers families convenient access to a wide array of local amenities and essential services. Residents benefit from nearby shops, cafés, and supermarkets for everyday needs, as well as pharmacies and NHS GP practices for healthcare requirements. The area is well-served by local health services, including midwifery and health visiting support, ensuring comprehensive care for expectant and new parents.
Families with children can access a network of children’s centres and family hubs, which provide early years education, childcare, parenting support, and a range of activities designed to promote child development and parental wellbeing. These centres offer antenatal advice, mental health support, and play sessions, as well as guidance on breastfeeding, nutrition, and safety.
Local Activities & Transport
For recreation, residents can enjoy the nearby Sandy Heath Nature Reserve and the RSPB reserve, perfect for outdoor activities and nature walks. The community also features local parks and play areas, including climbing frames and other equipment, encouraging active lifestyles for children and families. With excellent transport links, a friendly community atmosphere, and a blend of rural and suburban living, SG19 1EX is an ideal location for families seeking both support and leisure opportunities in a welcoming environment.
