St Christopher's to open new children's services in Sandwell

19 September 2007

We are proud to announce that St Christopher’s has been selected to work in partnership with Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council to set up new children’s residential and fostering services.

We will be providing six small children’s homes; each with three places. In addition, there will be six foster care placements linked to the homes.

These facilities will provide a network of planned placements offering a structured caring and supportive environment for young people aged 12-16.

They will provide Sandwell young people with homes within their own communities, enabling them to maintain family contacts, friendships and school placements.

The first of the new homes is due to open in November this year, with five further homes planned throughout 2008. Local young people who are looked after have been closely involved in staff recruitment and are now getting involved in furnishing and decorating the first house that St Christopher's has leased.

Cabinet member for children & young people Cllr Ian Jones said:

‘We chose St Christopher's as the best provider based on their experience in this field and because of the economic benefits they bring as a charitable organisation.

They already provide this service for a number of other authorities and, as a charity, can draw in additional resources.
 
Our aim is a new, planned approach to supporting young people in ordinary family homes in their home borough.’