Introduction

LM12 was referred to us by CPAST/YOS in 2007. A school in Buckinghamshire made the original referral during the same year. This is a current case – one that our mentor has provided one-to-one support for nearly every week for 15 months.

LM12 is in regular contact with a Social worker who states ‘ a noticeable improvement in her behaviour has been observed. This is most likely due to the consistent and stable environment she experiences by being in care and the support and attention she received by the professionals working with her’.

According the Professionals/Family Meeting (in July 2008) ‘LM12 has responded well to the mentoring service and the therapeutic service offered by YOS. She is open to both workers and feels able to share her feelings towards her past and current circumstances. LM12 has regular contact with them’

The School state’ at the close of the year LM12 received an award. She had to stand up, in front of the whole school and claim it. It was a proud moment for her. The caring, consistent involvement of her Lighthouse Mentor, without doubt, contributed to her success’.

Background information

LM12 was a troubled 12 year old – her mother had difficulties in managing LM12’s behaviour. For a short time she went to live with her natural father and then with a family of a friend she was at school with - which proved unsuitable. This instability resulted in the decision to place LM12 into foster care. The placement plan was for a short term in order for professionals to work on improving LM12’s behaviour whilst other professionals worked with her Mother to make positive changes within the home environment.

LM12’ s mother was her main support – a mother who has learning difficulties; who clearly loves her three young children. LM12 is an intelligent and bright young person and easy to like. According to the report provided by the Professionals meeting ‘It appeared that LM12 had experienced episodes within her life that had an affect on her emotional development as a result of having little guidance and boundaries in place, as well as experiencing instability and lack of consistency. As a result her sibling relationships were unstable and a lack of respect for her mother regularly occurred.

According to CPAST her self-esteem was low and she had very little confidence and was associating with offending peers – she was not involved in any positive activities. She was on report at school for her poor behaviour.

The Mentors Role

The aim of the Mentor was to:

• Provide one to one support and be a good friend to LM12 - one she could trust and respect.
• Help LM12 make constructive changes in her life and behaviour.
• Help her improve her self-esteem and confidence by involving her in lots of positive activities.
• Encourage her to be open about her problems.
• Liase regularly with the school and encourage her to raise her educational level.

Outcomes

CLM’s Mentor and LM12 became good friends; they met nearly every week for 15 months. They went shopping, to the running Club and the Gym, went to London for the day. They have lots chats in coffee bars and the park. Through having this supportive relationship and involvement in activities LM12’s self esteem and confidence has grown. She is no longer on report at school.

 The mentor had regular contact with the welfare officer at the School (a great person to work with) and attended most of the multi-agency meetings at the school.

Conclusion

LM12's mentor will continue to help and support her until LM12’s life gains the stability and the consistency she so very much deserves. She is trying to get LM12 to attend the running club on a weekly basis and will continue to involve her in other activities.