City Hall to cut funding for safe haven that has cared for youngsters in need since 1960s - St Christopher’s Fellowship faces axe
Published: 4 June 2010
by JAMIE WELHAM
WESTMINSTER'S only remaining children’s home is facing closure after its funding was slashed.
The St Christopher’s Fellowship home in Maida Vale has been a safe haven for children who are taken into care since the 1960s.
But City Hall children’s chiefs say dwindling demand for a service set up at a time when placing youngsters in residential care was more widespread, means it will not be renewing its £700,000 contract with providers the Fellowship.
A recent Ofsted report revealed that children at the Shirland Road home, who are aged between 11 and 16, have taken news of the decision badly.
The report states: “Staff and young people are presently coming out of what has been a difficult period in the home.
“Initially young people were upset and angry and their general behaviour deteriorated.
“The manager and staff have done their best to encourage discussion with the young people. Staff make sure that social workers visit and speak to young people about the implications the home’s closure will have on their future plans.”
At present, just five children live at the home, which was recently rated “good” by Ofsted inspectors. Over the past 10 years, around 100 children have lived there, most of whom have gone to schools in the borough.
Westminster Council says children will sit their GCSEs before being rehoused with foster carers. At least five staff will be made redundant as a result of the decision, which is due to be formalised by members of the cabinet in the next three weeks.
Cllr Nickie Aiken, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “We know that the best place for a child is with a supportive and loving family, and this is no different for children who come into our care, so this is why we have moved towards placing children with foster families.
“Although the staff at the children’s home are excellent, in replicating as far as possible a family unit, a foster home will invariably be a better option than a residential care home.
“In the last few months, staff have been working very hard to keep the five young people who are currently at the home informed and to support them throughout this period. Our priority is always to ensure that children receive the best possible care and when a decision is made alternative placements will be set up to meet each young person’s individual needs.”
A spokeswoman for St Christopher’s Fellowship said: “The partnership between the charity and the council has worked well since 1999. Running a children’s home is necessarily labour intensive as cover has to be provided 24/7. Alternative provision will be made for the children and it is hoped most of the staff will be redeployed when the home closes.”