Answers to common questions
Why are young people not placed with Foster Carers?
Children come into care for a variety of reasons and for a small minority (around 10%) being with a family is not the best solution. They may feel that being placed with another family makes them disloyal to their birth family. Some children might have quite complex mental health needs which require round the clock supervision.
Our aim is always to place children with either their own family or a foster family but a therapeutic residential placement can be very effective for some children in terms of stabilising them and providing a stable and caring environment.
How many children will live in the home?
The home will accommodate up to four young people at any time. This small number helps maintain a calm, family setting. We will create a therapeutic environment where the children feel, safe, heard and cared for.
What will the home be like inside?
The home will resemble any other family home, with bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, bathrooms, and outdoor space. There will be at least two staff members on shift at all times, creating a stable and loving environment where children can feel secure.
The home will provide a routine similar to a typical family setting, with meals together, homework time, and visits from friends and family.
Could the young people be a risk to residents in the street?
No, children placed at this new home would not be a risk to residents. Children in a residential setting can sometimes pose risks to themselves e.g. self harm or they may sometimes be challenging with staff who are setting boundaries and acting in a parental role, but they will not pose any risk to the general public.
This home is not for young people who are in the criminal justice system and require a setting that restricts their liberty.
Will other young people congregate around the home?
No, experience shows that because children’s homes are highly staffed, and only for up to four residents, this will not lead to young people congregating around a home. The new home will resemble a private family home and the people visiting will mainly be professionals and the children’s family members.
Is there written guidance on how the home will be run that can be shared with residents?
The home will be registered with and annually inspected by Ofsted. As part of this the home will have a statement of purpose that sets out how it will be run and this can be shared with residents that request it.
If any resident has specific questions then we will provide the contact details for the Registered Manager and Responsible Individual when the home opens.
Will there be someone we can contact with concerns?
Yes, a dedicated Registered Manager will be available to address any concerns you may have once the home is operational. We want to ensure open communication and address any issues quickly.
Will there be new noise or interruption to our quiet street?
We aim to be good and quiet neighbours and to have as little impact as possible. With a maximum of four young people living in the home and trained staff on site, the home will operate like any other family residence.
If any noise issues arise, you will be able to contact the home's Registered Manager to address your concerns.