When families are facing school refusal, escalating behaviours, or the risk of placement breakdown, the options can feel limited. Especially when residential care seems like the only next step.
According to UK Government research, “children with complex needs are some of the most vulnerable and experience a lot of placement instability.” While rooted in England, these findings resonate across the UK and emphasise the need for flexible, preventative models to reduce long-term or inappropriate placements.
At Skybound Therapies, we’ve developed a flexible, tiered model of support, the Keeping Families Together framework, which applies to both children and adults with complex behavioural needs. From early-stage behavioural assessments to hands-on community support, the first five levels are designed to prevent placement breakdowns and support reintegration into home, school, or community settings.
We’re now introducing a sixth level, designed specifically for children, which adds a short-term therapeutic residential option when all other supports have been exhausted. (More on that in our next blog.)
Level 1 – Early Support at Home
For families just beginning to struggle with behaviour at home, while school or day services are still managing.
- Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)
- Personalised Behaviour Support Plan (BSP)
- Training for family and staff
- Month 1 and 2 check-ins
This stage helps prevent escalation before breakdown occurs. We also work with many school settings, including special schools, to develop bespoke Behaviour Support Plans.
Level 2 – Ongoing Guidance
For families needing continued support to implement behavioural strategies.
- Regular consultancy and reviews
- BSP updates as behaviour evolves
This level provides consistent input to help strategies stay effective and families stay confident.
Level 3 – Practical, Hands-On Help
Where families need direct, community-based or out-of-school support.
- Behaviour Support Worker involvement
- Flexible respite and out-of-school/community support
This is where behavioural expertise meets everyday care.
Level 4 – Reintegration
For when a school or day service has broken down, or is close to doing so.
- Stabilisation at home
- Key skill building (e.g. communication, resilience)
- Gradual reintegration to structured settings
- Half-termly reviews for at least one year
This is a phased return to stability, rooted in behavioural best practices.
Level 5 – Bespoke Community-Based Alternatives
When there’s no suitable placement available, we create a sustainable, in-home package.
- Long-term, personalised support
- Independence and life-skill development
- Transition planning into adult services
This level is often a viable alternative to permanent residential placements for both children and adults.
Coming Soon: Level 6 – Short-Term Residential (Children Only)
Some children with complex needs end up on waiting lists for long-term residential placements, often far from home and in highly specialist settings.
We believe there’s a better way.
Our new Level 6 offers a short-term, therapeutic residential programme focused on reducing behaviours that challenge and helping children return home or move into a more appropriate local placement.
It’s based on successful U.S. models for behavioural health and it’s designed to make a long-term impact in a short space of time. We’ll be sharing more detail about this new option soon.
Download the Full Keeping Families Together Pack
Want to explore all six levels in more depth? Our downloadable PDF outlines the full model, including how each level works in practice.
