Placement Referrals
Making a Placement Referral to Vitality Healthcare Services
Vitality Healthcare Services accepts placement referrals for children and young people aged 8–17 who require specialist residential care, supported living or enhanced support placements. We work in partnership with local authorities across Essex, including Chelmsford and surrounding areas, as well as commissioning teams across the UK, to provide safe, responsive and well-matched placement solutions.
Our referral process is designed to be clear, efficient and supportive. We recognise that referrals are often made during periods of heightened risk or instability, and our team is available to offer guidance, clarity and reassurance at every stage.
Who Can Make a Referral
Referrals are primarily made by local authority social workers, commissioning teams and placement officers. We also engage with education and health professionals where appropriate to ensure that all relevant information is considered.
Our priority is achieving the right match between the young person’s needs, risks and strengths and the placement environment, promoting stability, safety and positive outcomes.
Types of Referrals We Accept
Vitality Healthcare Services accepts referrals for a range of specialist services, including residential children’s care, supported living, tailored solo placements and intensive high-support placements. Referrals may be planned or made on an emergency basis.
Each referral is assessed individually, taking into account emotional wellbeing, behavioural presentation, safeguarding concerns, health needs and previous placement history. This ensures placements are appropriate, proportionate and sustainable.
Emergency Placement Referrals – Available 24/7
We provide a 24-hour emergency placement referral service for children and young people who require immediate care due to placement breakdown, safeguarding risk or crisis situations. Our emergency placement service supports local authorities throughout Essex and the wider UK, enabling rapid response when time is critical.
Emergency referrals are prioritised and assessed promptly, with our team working efficiently to determine suitability, complete risk assessments and arrange safe admission.
24/7 Emergency Referral Line: +44 7306 111 471
Our Referral Assessment Process
Once a referral is received, our team undertakes a thorough yet timely assessment. This process considers the young person’s background, current presentation, risk factors, emotional and behavioural needs, education arrangements and health requirements.
Clinical oversight ensures health and wellbeing needs are carefully evaluated, while safeguarding leadership provides assurance that child protection responsibilities are fully addressed. Where necessary, we liaise with professionals involved in the young person’s care to support informed decision-making.
Information Required to Support a Referral
To enable effective planning and safe placement, we request relevant information such as care history, risk assessments, education details and any known health or behavioural concerns. This allows our team to prepare the placement environment appropriately and ensure staff are fully briefed prior to admission.
Our team will guide referrers through the required information and provide support throughout the process.
Working in Partnership with Local Authorities
Partnership working is central to our referral and placement process. Vitality Healthcare Services has experience working with multiple local authorities across Essex and England, supporting both local and out-of-area placements in line with statutory guidance and placement planning requirements.
We maintain open communication with referring professionals, provide timely updates and engage collaboratively to support smooth transitions, ongoing reviews and positive outcomes.
Making a Referral
Referrals can be made by contacting our team directly or by completing our online referral form. Our team is available to discuss placement options, answer questions and provide guidance on suitability.
To discuss children’s residential placements in Essex or anywhere in the UK, contact our team today. Emergency referrals are accepted 24/7.