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Campus rules

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Oberstown applies a rights-based model. This means that young people participate in decision making about their care, their lives and the campus as a whole.

The Children’s Rights Policy Framework spells out 12 Campus Rules (the Rules) that set standards for the service to ensure that young people at Oberstown are safe, get the best care possible and have their rights respected.

Here is how we describe the Rules for the young people in our care. 

What do we mean by the 12 Campus Rules?

The Rules are 12 standards that have been set to make sure that Oberstown is a place where:

  • Young people are safe.
  • Young people get the best care possible.
  • Children’s rights are respected.

The Government has approved the Rules under the Children Act 2001. Outside inspectors use the Rules to check how well Oberstown is providing services to you.

The first five Rules are about what we do through CEHOP®, Oberstown’s model of care. The rest of the Rules look at other important things that help keep you safe and secure on campus.

1. Care

  • We take a child-centred approach to your care.
  • Your care plan is individual to you and your needs.
  • You will be included in decisions about you.
  • You will be supported to stay in touch with family and friends as appropriate.

2. Education & recreation

  • You will have an education and recreation plan that is individual to you.
  • We will offer you a range of education and training programmes and leisure activities.
  • You will be supported to be involved in decisions around your educational, training and leisure activities.

3. Health

  • Oberstown will provide for your physical and mental health needs (medical, dental, psychological, psychiatric and wellbeing).
  • The Director is authorised to give consent for medical treatment to preserve your life and health.
  • 16+ year olds can give consent for medical treatment and assessment – but sometimes the Director will get legal advice if needed.

4. Offending behaviour

  • You will have an offending behaviour plan that is individual to you and what you need.
  • At Oberstown you can access programmes and supports to prepare you for a life free of crime.
  • We use a restorative approach that helps build and maintain positive relationships and behaviour.

5. Preparation for leaving

  • There will be a collaborative and child-centred approach to planning for your release or onward placement.
  • You and your parents/guardians will be asked contribute to decisions about your placement plan.
  • You will take part in regular placement planning meetings while you are in Oberstown.

6. Safeguarding

  • Young people will be protected from all forms of harm and abuse while in Oberstown.
  • You will meet with the Designated Liaison Person who will tell you how you can make a complaint if you feel you have been harmed.
  • All staff have a responsibility to report any concerns about harm or abuse to Tusla.

7. Consultation & participation

  • Your voice will be heard and you will have the opportunity to participate in decisions about you through placement planning, Student Council, Campus Council and Unit meetings.
  • You will have access to the Advocacy Officer who can support you to make a complaint about your care in Oberstown, or who will make the complaint for you.

8. Postive behaviour

  • We will support you to understand what behaviours are (un)acceptable to help you achieve better outcomes for yourself.
  • We will balance your rights and needs with that of the staff and campus.
  • Oberstown will promote a culture and environment of zero violence.

9. Restrictive practice

  • Restrictive practices (handcuffs, single separation, restraints, searches) will only be used in exceptional circumstances and for the shortest time possible.
  • Exceptional circumstances are when a young person’s behaviour poses a risk to themselves, others or the campus.
  • The use of restrictive practices must interfere as little as possible with the rights of young people.
  • Your rights include being treated with dignity and respect, having access to health and education, and being protected from harm.

10. Staffing, Management & Governance

  • Oberstown will have the right number of qualified staff to care for you.
  • Oberstown will be open, honest and responsible in the way we deliver care to young people.

11. Physical environment

  • You will be cared for in an environment that is safe and secure and considers your physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing.
  • The campus will be a place that can care for young people and provide a secure and safe environment for staff and young people.
  • CCTV surveillance and other security arrangements will be used as appropriate to keep young people safe and secure, protect them from harm or prevent an escape.

12. Authority to suspend the rules

  • In situations that pose a serious threat to the safety and security of young people, staff and the campus, the Director may suspend the Rules and associated procedures to deal with the emergency.