Case Study 3

B was admitted to the school from an authority which was piloting the Fast Track Hearing System. At 12, B was out of control in his home area, offending and going missing for days at a time. He was admitted to one of the close support units, but continued to abscond. It appeared he was not going to attach to staff at the school, and there was considerable pessimism about the future.

B began to bond with young people and staff from another house unit within the school, and was invited to join them on their annual adventure holiday. On his return, he transferred to that unit, and became a popular member of the group. His absconding ceased, and he re-established regular weekend leave.

B, now 14, returned home at the start of 2005, with support from school staff, and took up a place at a local school support unit.