CHILD PROTECTION

Closing institutions is a complex process and takes time if children are to be moved without trauma. To ensure the best care for each child, individual family circumstances and psychological wellbeing are assessed and one of the following alternative care solutions is identified:

• Reintegration: Where possible, attempts are always made to reintegrate children into their birth or extended families.
• Adoption and Foster Care: If it is impossible or undesirable to reintegrate a child into their family, or more time is needed to work towards reintegration, suitable foster families or adoptive parents are identified, trained and supported.
• Small Group Homes (SGHs): Often older children, or those with additional needs, do not cope well in a family placement and it is difficult to find a family willing or able to meet their needs.  In these circumstances children are placed in a SGH, which house between 8 and 12 children and provide opportunities for children to experience care which is closer to family life.
• Independent Living: Some older children are of an age where they are ready to live independently and start work.  Social workers assist with the transition to independent life and help the young people gain employment in their local area.