Our Story
Our Mission & Vision
“Our mission is to be advocates for society’s most vulnerable young people”
Our Mission
Independence Development was founded in 2011 by Dr Olyedemi, our clinical director, who identified a lack of availability in specialised therapeutic care. Born to be a service that would work with the most severe cases, IDL envisioned a place where young people and adults could come and develop their independence through a range of therapeutic practices from caregivers with patience, unwavering commitment, and empathy.
IDL was created to be the advocates of the young people who often fall through the cracks of social services and CAMHs and provide them with the therapeutic care they so need. Challenging cases with young people are commonly difficult to place and their destructive behaviour sometimes results in a breakdown of their placement. We have sought to provide a solid foundation for all service users, even the most difficult of cases.
The VALUES WHICH GUIDE OUR SERVICE
Our commitment to excellence is grounded in a set of values that serve as both our compass and foundation.
Independence
It is our mission to promote and develop the independence of our children & young people – it’s in the name.
Diversity & Inclusion
We embrace and celebrate the unique qualities that make each individual special.
Person-centred Care
Through personalised care plans and support, we empower individuals to manage their health and well-being.
Happiness
We believe everyone has the right to experience happiness and we will go above and beyond to promote this right.
Choice & Respect
Every person under our care has the right to make decisions about their own lives (where possible).
Honesty & Integrity
Transparency is the cornerstone of our service and care. We are committed to open and honest communication.
Accountability
Our employees understand the significance of their contribution to the lives of the children & young people in our care.
Our Leadership Team
Here are some of the people responsible for delivering therapeutic care in our organisation.
Dr Michael Olyedemi
CEO & Clinical Director
Dr Olyedemi has over 20 years experience working in a variety of Health and Social Care environments; ranging from Children’s Home, Educational Settings, Secure Units for Children to Psychiatric Units. Dr Olyedemi specialises in Harmful Secualised Behaviours, Delinquent Adolescents, Learning disabilities and Autism.
Duc An Vu
Finance Director + Internal Trainer
An has been an integral part of Independence Development Ltd for over five years. As a Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA), Am oversees our financial operations and ensures regulatory compliance. Additionally An is also responsible for providing in-house social care training to our therapeutic practitioners.
Tracylin Legall
Therapeutic Home Manager
Tracylin has over 20 years experience working within the Health and Social Care sector, she has previously worked within Homeless Charities, Counsellor for Alcohol Abuse, Domestic Violence. Tracylin’s background has been important in managing our Therapeutic Unit in Birmingham where Tracylin has been working for the past 6 years.
Kelly Kirk
Therapeutic Home Manager
Kelly is the registered manager for our OFSTED Children’s Home Manager and has over 10 years experience in the Health and Social Care setting. Kelly is a registered manager with OFSTED and was previously our CQC manager and is experienced with dealing with a wide range of service users.
Abdul Sylla
Registered Service Manager
Abdul is the registered service manager for Seacole & Almeida House, our Supported Accommodation service regulated by OFSTED, he started as a support worker within our CQC Homes before progressing to service manager. He has a over 10 years experience in this industry.
Basil Baby
Therapeutic Home Mananger
Basil is the registered manager for Sinon & Edwin CQC Therapeutic Homes. He has a degree and background in Social Services and has a masters in Psychology. He is passionate about delivering a high standard of care to the young people under his care. He is results driven and brings a wealth of experience.