Council bosses submit bids for three new children’s care homes in South Tyneside

Plans for two new residential children’s homes and a purpose-built children’s assessment centre have been submitted bosses in South Tyneside.
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Currently, there is only one children’s residential home in the borough, with space for just four young people at once.

Combined with a shortage of foster carers, it means youngsters often have to be sent outside South Tyneside, away from family and friends.

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But it is hoped this could changed after South Tyneside Council submitted bids for three new facilities offering overnight support for children on a short term basis while, for whatever reason, they cannot live with their birth families.

Council bosses are working on plans for three new children's homes across South Tyneside.Council bosses are working on plans for three new children's homes across South Tyneside.
Council bosses are working on plans for three new children's homes across South Tyneside.
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Applications for two new children’s homes in Grant Street, in Jarrow, and Hebburn New Town, as well as at a third site in Seton Avenue, in South Shields, are understood to have been submitted to the local authority’s planning department for approval.

Last month, council chiefs revealed further details of plans for the redevelopment of Lincoln Court, in Hebburn.

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According to the council, it is often “very difficult” to find enough places in the borough for young people in need of short term accommodation away from their families, with children sometimes having to go as far as Scotland and Lancashire because of a lack of places nationally.

A number of information sessions for people living close by to the proposed sites have already been held and artists’ impressions of the developments have been shared, with officials each will have “adequate parking”.

Cllr Adam Ellison, cabinet member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “As a local authority we take our corporate parenting responsibility for children we care for seriously.

“We are fully committed to giving them the best home and parenting experience we can offer, so they can attend school, see their families and enjoy time with their friends as any child should.

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“Caring for our children in their home borough maximises the success and opportunities to achieve this.

"Staff are always be on hand to offer support and guidance to children within our homes, and address any issues faced, as any parent does their child.”