Referrals & Contact

Start the Conversation

Every referral begins with a conversation.

Whether you are a Local Authority, Social Worker, School, Children's Home, Youth Justice Service, Parent or another professional supporting a young person, our team is here to help.

We understand that every young person's circumstances are different, which is why we take the time to understand each referral before recommending the most appropriate support.

Our aim is to make the referral process straightforward, responsive and centred around the needs of the young person.

contact our team

Who Can Refer?

We welcome referrals and enquiries from:

• Local Authorities
• Children's Services
• Social Workers
• Youth Justice Services
• Youth Offending Teams
• Schools
• Academies
• Alternative Provision
• Pupil Referral Units (PRUs)
• Children's Homes
• Supported Accommodation Providers
• Early Help Services
• Family Support Teams
• Health Professionals
• CAMHS
• Drug and Alcohol Services
• Community Organisations
• Parents and Carers

If you're unsure whether our service is the right fit, we're always happy to discuss your requirements.

Who We Support

Our residential placements are suitable for young people aged 12–17 who may be experiencing:

• Substance misuse
• Child criminal exploitation
• County Lines involvement
• Knife crime and serious violence
• Emotional wellbeing difficulties
• Anxiety and low confidence
• School disengagement
• Family breakdown
• Poor emotional regulation
• Behavioural addictions
• Risk-taking behaviour
• Peer pressure
• Complex trauma
• Neurodevelopmental needs, where appropriate within wider assessment and support planning

Every referral is individually assessed to ensure the placement and support offered meet the young person's needs.

referral process

Our Referral Process

Every young person has their own story, experiences and challenges.

At Dream Steps Recovery, we provide specialist residential care and therapeutic interventions that are tailored to the individual, helping young people build confidence, resilience and the practical skills needed to create safer, healthier and more positive futures.

Our services are delivered within our 16-week residential model and continue, where appropriate, through community-based support and ongoing partnerships with professionals and families.

Step 1 – Initial Enquiry

Contact our team to discuss the young person's circumstances, current concerns and desired outcomes.

Step 2 – Consultation

We'll explore the referral in more detail, discuss risks, safeguarding considerations and determine whether Dream Steps Recovery is the right placement.

Step 3 – Assessment

Where appropriate, we'll complete an initial assessment to understand the young person's strengths, needs and goals before agreeing an individual support plan.

Step 4 – Placement & Support

The young person begins their structured residential placement, supported by an experienced therapeutic team delivering personalised interventions throughout the programme.

Step 5 – Reviews & Planning

Regular progress reviews are held with professionals and, where appropriate, families to ensure the placement continues to meet the young person's changing needs.

Step 6 – Transition & Ongoing Support

As the placement draws to a close, we work with the wider professional network to prepare for a successful transition back into education, family life and the community, with ongoing support available where appropriate.

a trusted organisation

Why Professionals Choose Dream Steps Recovery

Professionals choose Dream Steps Recovery because we provide:

• Specialist 16-week residential placements
• A safe, structured and therapeutic environment
• Trauma-informed, child-centred practice
• Evidence-informed interventions
• Individualised care and support planning
• Strong partnership working
• Clear communication throughout placements
• Outcome-focused reviews
• Community reintegration and ongoing support
• Innovative learning frameworks through The Opponent™ and ThoughtSwitch™

Our commitment is not only to help young people overcome immediate challenges but to equip them with the confidence, resilience and life skills needed to achieve lasting positive change.

ongoing collaboration

Working Together

Positive outcomes are achieved when professionals, families and young people work together.

We value open communication, collaborative planning and shared responsibility throughout every placement.

By working in partnership, we help create consistent support around each young person, giving them the greatest opportunity to succeed both during their placement and beyond.

contact us

Contact Dream Steps Recovery

Whether you are looking to make a referral, discuss a placement, explore partnership opportunities or simply find out more about our services, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Telephone: To be confirmed

Email: To be confirmed

Registered Address: To be confirmed

Alternatively, complete our online enquiry form and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible.

information pack

Download Our Professional Information Pack

Looking for more detailed information?

Download our Dream Steps Recovery Professional Information Pack, which includes:

- Full programme overview
- Therapeutic model
- The Opponent™ Framework
- ThoughtSwitch™ Framework
- Research and evidence
- Assessment process
- Outcomes framework
- Partnership information
- Frequently Asked Questions

This resource has been developed for commissioners, Local Authorities, Social Workers and partner organisations seeking a more detailed understanding of our service.

Download Professional Information Pack (PDF)

work with us

Together We Can Build Brighter Futures

Every young person deserves the opportunity to feel safe, understood and hopeful about their future.

At Dream Steps Recovery, we're committed to helping young people move beyond crisis, discover their strengths and build the confidence to create lasting positive change.

We look forward to working with you.