Youth care centres recommended that the medical examination of each newcomer to a centre be immediately organised. 3.3 Strengths of establishments and good practices The following activities in the YCC in Radzionków deserve special recognition: • independent living programme for charges which is implemented in educational groups in several dimensions. The basic pillar involves learning independence and responsibility. The second pillar of the programme covers learning self-care skills related to everyday life – using household appliances correctly, cleaning rooms, washing clothes, doing minor renovation works – painting, wallpapering. The third pillar involves learning social skills in an open environment by carrying out various tasks (e.g. voluntary work, handling of affairs in offices), • independent living group. According to the assumptions accepted, only charges who are at least 17 years old, who are lower or higher secondary school students, have predispositions to function in the environment and who are motivated and declare their willingness to change may be directed to this group. The group was set up to gradually prepare juveniles to live independently in an open environment, • supervision of the pedagogical personnel to defuse tensions which arose when performing official duties. It also helps improve relations between personnel members which, in turn, has a direct impact on the quality of their work and the level of care of charges, • procedure for dealing with a pregnant charge which specifies how to deal with an expecting juvenile. In the opinion of the representatives of the National Preventive Mechanism, the following examples of good practices in the YCC in Kwidzyn deserve recognition: • implementation of the “Good mom” training and therapeutic programme which is aimed at preparing juveniles to be a mother by making them understand the world of a baby. As part of the programme, juveniles identify dangers that a baby may encounter at home, • participation in the “Youth Tribune” project. The Tribune is very active in the life of the centre and frequently acts as a mediator between charges. The Tribune of this establishment built close relationships with charges and cooperated with employees to improve educational atmosphere in the centre, • development of a practical “Guidebook for a charge” which is provided to each charge. It contains information on the establishment, a daily schedule, how to maintain contact with loved ones, it discusses assessment principles and presents expectations with regard to a juvenile, • setting-up of an independent living group which makes it possible for charges to prepare themselves to leave the establishment with discreet support of its employees. 29