Children’s homes

We are planning to open 3 new small children’s homes in South Gloucestershire.

Children may not be able to live with their families for various reasons. It is our role as corporate parents to provide them with a stable home and appropriate help, when and where they need it.

What we mean by children’s homes

They will be family homes in appearance and as close to that as possible in experience for the young people who live there and for their neighbours. Each home will be for up to 3 children aged between 11 and 17 years.

The homes will provide a nurturing, warm, welcoming space for these children to call their own home. The children will be cared for by kind and supportive people in a safe home environment which they may not have had in the past.

Why new children’s homes are needed

We know that if we can give children a home locally, they have much better outcomes because they can maintain links with their family, friends, school and other services they receive.

We do not currently have enough homes in our area to support all those who need our help locally, resulting in having to place some children miles from their communities. This can create huge disruption to their education, support networks and family connections.

Children’s homes are alternatives when other support such as foster placements are not available.

These children deserve to live in well-developed community areas with access to good resources such as parks, recreational facilities and groups, so they can develop local connections in the area and neighbours.

How the homes will operate

They will be owned by the council but managed by a specialist care organisation. We will work in partnership to provide the support the children and young people need.

Our plan is to purchase 3 houses each with 5 bedrooms and 2 private bathrooms, good outside space including ample parking. These will provide space for up to 3 children and 2 staff members per home.

Where we are now

Currently we are in the process of identifying homes to purchase. We are also in the process of commissioning an organisation to run these homes for us. They will share our values and commitment and provide the care these young people need with skilled, caring staff. We expect to complete this process in May 2024.

Once that organisation has been identified, we will work alongside them to engage with local communities to explain in more detail how these homes will be run and how any issues that may arise can be managed.

We look forward to being able to provide a better future for all children and young people in our care, in local homely environments.