What Does It Mean to Be Person-Centered?
GreenLeaf Homes’ Commitment to Individualised Care
At GreenLeaf Homes, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all support. Every young person is unique: their story, their needs, their strengths, and their goals. That’s why our approach is firmly person-centred.
But what does person-centred actually mean in practice?
It’s about putting the young person at the heart of everything. It’s about listening deeply, respecting choices, and seeing beyond labels or risk assessments to the whole person.
Key Principles of Person-Centred Care
Respect for Identity and Story
We acknowledge every young person’s life experience, culture, gender, and worldview. No one is reduced to a placement or a problem.Voice, Choice, and Control
We don’t make plans for young people—we make them with them. They have a say in their routines, goals, and how they’re supported.Strengths-Based Support
We focus on what young people can do, not just their needs. We help them recognise skills, resilience, and hopes for the future.Relationship-Focused Practice
Change happens in the context of trust. Our staff build consistent, caring relationships that young people can rely on.Flexibility and Adaptability
Every plan is individual. We adapt our approach to each person’s changing needs, goals, and circumstances.
How We Plan to Put This Into Practice at GreenLeaf
Even before we welcome our first resident, we’re preparing to ensure our person-centered values are real, not just words on paper:
Staff training in person-centered planning, not cookie-cutter support plans
Induction that includes active listening and cultural humility
Policies that build choice and negotiation into routines (e.g. meal planning, bedtimes, key work sessions)
Recruitment that prioritizes empathy, respect, and willingness to learn over ticking boxes
Supervision templates that prompt reflection on personal bias and power dynamics
Feedback systems that invite young people to shape their own experience at GreenLeaf
Role-Play & Scenario Examples for Staff
At GreenLeaf, we use role-plays and “what would you do” scenarios to help our team practice person-centred responses before they’re needed in real life.
Here are a few examples:
Scenario 1: Choice in Daily Routine
A young person says they don’t want to come to the house meeting tonight.
Person-centred response:
Respect their choice: “That’s okay. Can you let me know if there’s anything you want shared on your behalf?”
Offer alternatives: “If you’d like, I can update you afterwards privately.”
Reflect on why they might not want to come.
Scenario 2: Challenging Behaviour Label
A staff member calls a young person “difficult” in a handover.
Person-centred reflection prompt:
How else might you describe what happened?
What might have been going on for the young person?
How does this label affect how we support them?
Better approach:
“They seemed overwhelmed last night and needed space. Let’s think about what might help next time.”
Scenario 3: Planning Goals Together
A young person says: “I don’t want to go to college. Stop making me.”
Person-centred response:
Validate their choice: “It’s your decision.”
Explore without pushing: “Can you tell me what doesn’t feel right about it?”
Support other goals: “What would you want to focus on right now?”
Scenario 4: Cultural Sensitivity
A young woman asks for halal meals but the staff plan is generic.
Person-centred practice:
Include her in planning meals.
Ensure her needs are respected without making her feel “othered.”
Build this choice into the shopping and rota systems.
Scenario 5: Conflict Resolution
A young person swears at staff in frustration.
Person-centred approach:
Stay calm. Avoid power struggles.
Reflect afterwards: “I see you were really upset. Can we talk about it?”
Understand triggers. Plan together for next time.
Why It Matters
Person-centered care isn’t an “extra” or a buzzword. For young people who may have felt unheard, controlled, or dismissed, it’s essential.
By truly listening, respecting choice, and seeing each young person as the expert in their own life, we help them feel safe enough to heal and strong enough to build the future they want.
Want to Learn More?
At GreenLeaf Homes, we’re committed to getting this right—even before our first placement.
If you’re a young person, professional, or partner who wants to talk about person-centred care, we’d love to connect.
Contact us here. info@greenleafhomes.co.uk or Instagram
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