Case Study – B

B was referred to Future Roots 2 yrs ago by her school and was at risk of permanent exclusion. Her behavior was seen as challenging and unregulated and she had dis-engaged with lessons. Alongside this’ B was experiencing the breakdown of her home. On her first day, she arrived at the farm with bags of her clothes as she was moving.

Future Roots was commissioned to help B to develop emotional regulation and gain social and problem-solving skills. B really liked animals so was also offered the opportunity to do a City and guilds qualification in land based operations. Although B was involved with services such as CAMHS due to her anxiety and self-harm, and the Behaviour Support Service she struggled to engage effectively.

Initially B presented as challenging, she was very loud and tried to push the team away by being confrontational and saying things she thought would hurt. Especially when she was anxious and when there was any change. The sessions started very much one to one but by maintaining a consistent approach B has been able to develop and grow in confidence.

B has made huge progress in building relationships with most mentors now and can work with them all, she also engages in working with animals, and other young people. These relationships have been built by using the resilience model; making B feel safe, giving B a purpose, recognizing her achievements, by setting boundaries and keeping within those boundaries, and giving B the opportunity to understand her feelings and those of her peers. B is now able to show empathy towards others and animals as well as support other young people, and most importantly manage and self-regulate her own challenges.

B has built trust with the mentors and shared many of her Adverse Experiences, Opportunity to talk and feel listened to over a long period and a consistent approach led to a change in behavior and ability to form relationships.

B has become a confident and caring individual, who is coming to the end of her time at the farm. She has gained many practical and social skills and the knowledge she is accepted and can see things through to the end.

She also qualification in land based operations,

Quote from B:

‘My best memory, is all of them, but if I had to choose, it would be meeting my new family, my best friends (list of mentors and young people) and so many amazing people’