Philosophy
The major principles underlying the Children Act about partnership with
parents, involvement of children and those with parental responsibility in
decision making, proper planning and review, the right to make representations
and so on, apply equally to residential situations....”
We agree! We need to move away from institutions populated by often disaffected
children to family living situations where individuals have value. Children in
care should, where possible, live as part of the community. Currently, too often,
the process of care excludes the child from home, school and the Community.
A ‘systems’ approach will not work. Individual support and
relationship-building has more chance of success. Children in care have a right
to be seen as children first and to have access to the same support systems as
children in the community. The emphasis must be on family where possible, or an
appropriate substitute family. We must recognise the impact of structures on the
lives of children in care and not scapegoat the child for a negative reaction to
often inappropriate placements dictated not by their needs but by other
priorities e.g. resources.
We believe that effective therapeutic intervention must be based
on a secure and positive living situation. Meaningful relationships and
consistent support must be a priority. Our aim is to:-
