Dorset Council sets out plan to improve life for children in care
New small homes for children could be on the cards if plans go ahead next week.
Dorset Council is setting out it’s plans to make the county one of the best places to grow up.
Councillors are considering a new strategy next week, which will improve services and accommodation for Dorset’s children in care.
The strategy sets out plans to improve accommodation for children in care in Dorset, by for example refurbishing and registering several small properties as children’s homes.
Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said: “Councillors will be examining these plans and deciding how best to improve the lives of children in our care.
“The aim of these proposals is to create more accommodation in Dorset so fewer local children have to leave their schools, their friends, their families and everything they know and be placed in care far away. Most importantly, this is not good for our children, but it is also very costly, as it involves sending money out of our county, rather than investing in skilled jobs locally.
“We want to provide the best possible care for all our children. Most children and young people in our care are looked after by local foster families. But for a small number of children, residential care is best, which is why councillors are considering these plans.”
If councillors give the go-ahead to the Placement Sufficiency Strategy 2020-22 next Tuesday, then other small properties across Dorset could be registered as children’s homes, and some will also be refurbished.
Dorset Council is also looking for more foster carers for Dorset children. Our highly valued foster carers are vital as they offer a good stable family environment for children in our care.
If you are interested in making a difference to the lives of Dorset children, you can find out more by visiting fosterindorset.co.uk or call 01305 225568.