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, a clinical psychologist, 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. As CEO, Dr Olyedemi is responsible for overseeing the entire service.
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 CQC Homes Edwin and Sinon Therapeutic Units and has over 9 years experience in the Health and Social Care setting. Kelly is a registered manager with CQC and is experienced with dealing with a wide range of service users.
Shuming Zhang
Registered Service Manager
Shuming is the service manager for Seacole & Almeida House, our Support Accommodation regulated by OFSTED. Shuming started as a Deputy Manager at one of our CQC Homes before progressing to service manager. He has a MSc in Psychology and is passionate about facilitating positive outcomes for the children & young people under his care.
Jessica Cheema
Therapeutic Home Manager
Jessica is a registered manager at Independence Development and has a wealth of experience in the health & social care sector. Coming from a Day Centre & Therapeutic Care background, she is passionate about developing the independence of the children & young people under her care.
Duc An Vu
Finance Director + Internal Trainer
An has been with IDL for over 5 years and is responsible for overseeing the finances at IDL. An also IDL’s internal trainer and delivers a range of in-house training, as well as supporting the employees in their job roles.