Bid to boost care for looked after children

More looked after children will live with families if plans to close a care home are agreed.

Leicestershire County Council wants to increase the number of children placed with foster carers or in family settings and as a result, is considering closing Littlehill House Children's Home in Wigston.

Every looked after child receives tailored support and residential care would still be used but only when it is the most appropriate option.

The need for homes such as Littlehill House has also declined as more children are being supported earlier to prevent them coming into the care system.

The council's cabinet will discuss the proposed closure at a meeting next Friday (10th).

Ivan Ould, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for the children and young people’s service, said: We work hard to ensure children in care live in secure and stable environments and tailor these to each young person’s particular needs.

We want to ensure that more children in care live in family settings such as foster care but it's important to stress that residential care does play an important role and would still be used if it is in a child's best interests.

"It is also important to prevent children coming into care and where possible, we are working with families to provide support to keep young people at home."

The two young people who live at Littlehill House already have plans to move to supported independent accommodation. This could involve supported lodgings or a flat with support, and helps young people gain the skills to care for themselves.

If agreed, the young people, their parents and carers and staff affected will be consulted on future provision and next steps. Redeployment and redundancy options will be explored to minimise the impact.