OUR APPROACH

Our PACE & DDP-Informed Approach

At DNA Services, we recognise that past experiences of trauma, loss and disrupted relationships can shape how a young person understands relationships, manages emotions and responds to the world around them.

  • Playfulness

  • Acceptance

  • Curiosity

  • Empathy

- and Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP), placing positive, consistent relationships at the heart of our care.

Rather than focusing solely on behaviour, our teams are encouraged to look beyond it and consider the feelings, experiences and needs that may sit beneath. Through warmth, understanding and genuine connection, we create an environment where young people can feel safe, understood and valued.

We know that trust takes time. By providing consistent, emotionally available relationships, we aim to help young people build confidence in themselves and others, supporting them as they grow and move forward.

Our approach is informed by PACE

Group of five young friends, three girls and two boys, smiling and relaxed outdoors on a sunny day, sitting and standing on a ledge with a clear blue sky in the background.

“Quote goes here from previous individual“

Three women are leaning forward with their heads close together, smiling and laughing outdoors, with greenery in the background.

Playfulness

Creating moments of warmth, enjoyment and connection that help relationships develop naturally.

A woman cooking in a kitchen visible from a living room where a woman is sitting on a sofa reading a book.

Acceptance

Supporting young people without judgement and helping them feel valued and accepted for who they are.

A man and a girl walking and talking on a sidewalk in a residential neighborhood with brick houses and parked cars.

Curiosity

Looking beyond behaviour to better understand a young person’s feelings, experiences and individual needs.

Two men sitting at a yellow table, having a discussion. One man is holding a white coffee mug, while the other is resting his chin on his hand. The scene is indoors with some visible furniture and plants.

Empathy

Responding with compassion and understanding to help young people feel heard, supported and safe.

Identity, Diversity & Belonging

We believe that every young person has their own identity, history, experiences, relationships, interests and sense of belonging. Understanding and respecting these things is an important part of providing genuinely individualised care.

We take time to understand what matters to each young person and support them to maintain positive connections with the people, places, culture, traditions and interests that are important to them, wherever this is appropriate and in their best interests.

We recognise and respect difference and diversity, and we want young people to feel comfortable being themselves within our homes. Their individual identity should be valued, not something they feel they need to leave at the door when they come into care.

We encourage young people to express their views, wishes and feelings and to have a genuine say in how their care is provided. Where appropriate, we work alongside them to help them understand their own identity, develop confidence in who they are and build a positive sense of belonging.

Our homes are intended to be places where young people feel known, respected and accepted as individuals.

A person is cooking on a stovetop, pouring batter from a bowl into a pan. The kitchen has a white tiled wall, eggs in an egg carton on the counter, and kitchen utensils nearby.