Proposed Investment in Children’s Care

New residential children’s homes could be built in South Tyneside as the Council seeks to deliver on its priority of supporting young people in need.

The new homes, if granted planning permission, would almost triple the number of placements in South Tyneside for looked-after children and young people.

Currently, there is only one children’s residential home in the Borough accommodating a maximum of up to four young people at once. Combined with a lack of foster carers, this means that young people cannot always be accommodated in the Borough and are often placed away from family and friends.

Planning applications for three sites across the Borough in Hebburn, Jarrow and South Shields have been drawn up and will soon be submitted. 

It is hoped that by having homes spread across the Borough, young people would be able to say close to their family, friends and their schools.

If approved, two of the new-builds would be able to accommodate up to four young people while the third would offer overnight support on a short term basis for children undergoing assessment.

Councillor Adam Ellison, Lead Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “We have a strong track record in children’s residential care and take our corporate parenting responsibilities very seriously.

“We desperately need more homes for our children and young people who, for whatever reason, cannot live with their birth parents. 

“It is important that these young people can live in the communities they call home and stay close to family and friends.”

A series of information sessions are planned where people can find out more about the proposals. The first two of these will be on 10 October in the Learning Lounge at Hebburn Central. Another two will be held in the training room at Simonside Climbing Wall on 11 October and the final two will be on 13 October in Jarrow Focus. Two sessions will run each day from 1pm – 4pm and 5pm – 8pm.

Anyone interested in in fostering is asked to visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/fostering or contact a fostering officer on (0191) 423 8500 or email fostering@southtyneside.gov.uk