Background:

"S" is a 17-year-old female who has a history of self-harming. She has anorexia nervosa for which she has been receiving treatment at a specialist adolescent unit for eating disorders. Having achieved her target weight, the family are keen for her to return to the home, but concerned that the programme will be difficult to continue. "S" finds the situation at home very stressful and intense when it is just the three of them, understandably her condition is the sole focus of her parents' attention.

Solution:

Following a visit to the unit and discussions with staff, "S" and her parents, SNAP identified a female worker who would live-in with the family for initially a three-month period, to be reviewed. Her role will be to facilitate the transition from the unit to the home.

In addition to providing support, the worker introduces new activities (non-physical) in this instance learning a specific computer programme and a new language to provide practical distractions. The worker liaises with the staff at the unit, who continue to monitor her progress.

After 3 months, "S" is able to return part-time to school, so the focus on activities moves to helping with her studies as she is behind her peers.

The worker is employed for 35 hours a week. She provides regular reports and attends meetings with staff at the unit as appropriate. The placement runs initially for 6 months, to be reviewed.

The most suitable situation for this position as hours need to be flexible is on a live-in basis. Families will need to provide a minimum of own room, ideally own room and bathroom and possibly living area.