New children’s homes set for South Ayrshire.

Dec 11 2009 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

NEW children’s homes are to be opened in South Ayrshire.

Three separate facilities are required to bring the area’s flagging residential child care estate up to scratch.

Ideal sites in Ayr and Maybole have already been identified and a massive public consultation is already underway.

South Ayrshire Council already run two children’s homes.

The main unit, at Woodhead Road in Coylton, has capacity for 11 young people.

A two bedroom unit is located at Glenriddel Road in Ayr.

Hugh Carswell, head of Children’s services, said: “Neither of these units were purpose built and both are becoming in need of significant upgrading to ensure that they are able to meet the needs of our looked after and accommodated young people.”

The council admit that their residential child care facilities are insufficient.

It has resulted in over reliance on external placements – costing the council thousands.

Mr Carswell said: “An improvement plan to develop our in-house service has agreed a planned expansion of an additional 18 places, achieved by opening another three six bed units.

“A project management team has been formed which will oversee the design and development of the new units, focussing on design, location, cost and consultation.”

He continued: “We have sought locations that would give a spread of geographical locations appropriate to the needs of young people including maintaining family contact and mainstream education.”

Who Cares? (Scotland) has already embarked on a consultation with children and young people in care in South Ayrshire.

The wider community are now being asked to submit their suggestions and comments to County Buildings.