A better service for local children

Improvements in the way that children receive care and support in Bridgend County Borough have been made possible thanks to a remodelling of its placement service for looked-after children.

Designed to ensure that the council and its partners can continue to protect and help vulnerable children and young people as effectively as possible, the improvements have been made across all parts of the service.

They include new developments at two local care homes which are helping to prevent children from having to be placed outside of the area.

Maple Tree House has been refurbished to provide a reassuring environment for children aged between eight and 18. The staff can get to know them within a comfortable, homely setting as they develop a better understanding of what long-term support may be required.

While their needs are being assessed, trained professionals are on hand 24-7 to offer the children the right type of practical and therapeutic support.

Featuring four short-term assessment beds as well as facilities for two emergency placements, the improvements mean that Maple Tree House will play an important role in helping to keep children within the area instead of having to be placed further away.

As part of the remodelling, the Sunnybank residential home has also been developed so that it can offer improved levels of support for children and young people who need to be cared for in a residential setting over a longer period.

The service is also recruiting and training transitional foster carers who will help young people move towards their goal of being able to live with a foster carer long-term.

Other aspects of the remodelled service include supported lodgings and supported living schemes which are helping young people over the age of 16 to prepare to live independently.

We recently remodelled our service for looked-after children to create more flexible placement options, and Maple Tree House forms an important part of this strategy. In future, we will be able to offer children and young people more local placements within the Bridgend County Borough area that are closer to home.

We are also developing new opportunities for care leavers that will help them to prepare for their transition into adulthood, and which will give them as much support as they need to live a successful, independent life.

Bridgend County Borough Council and its partners are committed towards safeguarding and protecting the health, well-being and rights of local children and young people. Maple Tree House, Sunnybank and the remodeled placement service will help strengthen our efforts to ensure that people can live free from harm, abuse and neglect.

Councillor Phil White, Cabinet Member for Social Services and Early Help