Wrexham Council has opened two children’s homes as part of a drive to provide more local homes for children in council care.
Last year the council purchased two new-build houses in the Ruabon area with support from the Welsh Government’s Care Closer to Home scheme.
The aim is to look after children in smaller homes that feel more like a standard family home, and in their own communities instead of housing them further afield.
Councillor Rob Walsh, Lead Member for Children’s Social Care, said: “As a council we look after children who can’t live with their own families due to safeguarding issues or other reasons.
“We provide a lifeline to these children and we do everything we can to make sure they can grow up in a happy and supportive environment.
“Traditionally, children’s homes have been larger, but by creating smaller homes we can provide something that feels more like a standard family home, with staff living-in 24-hours-a-day and essentially undertaking the parenting role.
“We undertook a similar scheme in Rhostyllen around 18 months ago, and it’s been very successful – the children who live there are settled and thriving, which is fantastic to see.
“These homes will mean less of our looked after children having to be placed out of county, which is a really positive step.”
The Welsh Government is encouraging councils to provide more of their own homes for children in care, instead of relying on more expensive ‘out of county’ placements that are often run for profit.
Wrexham Council’s Chief Executive, Alwyn Jones, added: “The children placed in these homes are all under 16 and already in council care.
“They have the same needs as any other child – a warm and caring environment, education and health support, and the ability to develop the skills they need to contribute to society when they become adults.
“These smaller homes help us look after children in their local communities, so they can keep attending the same school, and stay in touch with friends and extended family where appropriate.
“It’s a better way of doing things, and we’ll hopefully be able to develop more of these small children’s homes in the future.
“We’re also grateful to local communities for embracing these homes so well, and being wonderful neighbours. It’s shows that Wrexham is a caring place, and it’s something that we should all be really proud of.”
