Home for vulnerable children set to close
A home for vulnerable children is set to close, as Shropshire Council looks to change the way youngsters in care are looked after – and make savings.
The Rowans, in Upper Road, Shrewsbury, provides a home for up to four older children or teenagers who have been taken out of the family home. Council bosses said instead they will recruit staff to work with families at home on an "outreach" basis.
However, Chelmaren children's home at Bomere Heath near Shrewsbury, which currently provides care for four children aged eight upwards, is proposed to expand to six beds.
The future of the homes was discussed as part of a redesign of children's residential services at a decision making meeting at Shirehall in Shrewsbury yesterday.
Tina Russell, head of children's social care and safeguarding, said: "The proposal is for closure of the Rowans and sale of the property achieving a one-off capital gains saving."
Speaking after the meeting, Karen Bradshaw, director of Children Services, said: "As part of the overall redesign of all council services, we are looking at how we can better meet those needs of children who may be at risk of going into care, and those in care."
She said the proposals would be subject to consultation.
