Residential Care for Children
Residential Care for Children/Children's Homes are there to
ensure that the needs of children are met when they cannot live
with their own family. They are a place for children to develop and
grow, as well as providing food, shelter, and space for play and
leisure in a caring environment. Children's Homes look after
children with many different needs.
When children and young people come to live in a Children's Home
they will have a Care Plan. Their Care Plan says why a child is
living in a home, what is supposed to happen while they are living
there and what is supposed to happen at the end of their stay. Most
children will go home, but a few go to live with other families and
a few go to live in other homes. Older children who are not
planning to return home, are given help to prepare them for living
on their own - this is called Aftercare.
Education is important. Children go to their own school if they
have a school place, or we help to get them back into school.
Although some young people may still attend different resources in
the community, for example school, college, etc.
It is very important that children and young people stay in touch
with their family and friends. It is only when they might be hurt,
or a Court Order says that contact is not allowed, that some
children will not be able to have visits from their family or will
not be able to visit them.
Children and young people are respected as individuals. By
providing for their religious and cultural needs children are
encouraged to keep their sense of personal identity and
community.
Eligibility For The Service
Children and young people have to live away from their
own families for all sorts of reasons. These include:
- Their parents are unwell
- They have problems with their family and need to
spend some time away from home, eg: behaviour problems or
educational difficulties
- They may have a disability and need a break from
living with their families
- They are in the care of local authority subject
on a Court Order or an Interim Care Order, and,
- Generally, when children and young people need
to live away from their families, they will stay with foster
carers. It is only when Foster care is either not possible or not
desirable accommodation or may not be what the young person would
choose
- In all cases, we make sure that all the
alternatives are fully considered before recommending residential
care.
How to contact us:
You can contact us through the duty social worker in
our First Response Teams by telephone, letter or in person
Intake and Assessment Team
North (Bedford area)
Kingsway
Bedford
MK42 9BG
Telephone: 01234 223599
Fax: 01234 353263
Emergency Duty Team
Telephone: 0870 238 5465
For information or to apply for the service email: childrensservices@bedford.gov.uk