Search for
Search for
Search forAssessment unit will bring anti-social behaviour to street
Thursday, August 21, 2008, 09:20
Staffordshire County Council yesterday approved plans to turn a long-term home in Newcastle into an assessment centre.
Residents say the residential area picked for the unit is not suitable.
The council wants to recruit foster carers who can meet the needs of young people with the most challenging emotional and behavioural problems.
It is creating three assessment units where children will stay for 12 weeks, so their needs can be understood before they are placed in foster homes.
The aim is to prevent them being moved from one family to another.
The assessment centres are Shaping Futures in Stafford, The Alders in Tamworth and The Birches in Newcastle.
But residents living near the Newcastle centre in Sidmouth Avenue are concerned. John Pye, chairman of the residents' group which covers Sidmouth Avenue, said: "Over the years the residents living here have suffered terribly as a direct result of both children resident in The Birches, and those who were acquaintances of them and visiting them.
"The catalogue of problems is appalling, including theft, damage, threats, noise and serious anti-social behaviour.
"We are not against the policy, but think the council should invest money in creating a flagship facility in the right place."
He said residents are also worried that children at The Birches on a short-term basis will be more disruptive than those who have been long-term residents.
Newcastle borough councillor Stephen Holland backed the objections, saying there had been a history of anti-social behaviour linked to The Birches. He said: "There is understandably concern that an assessment unit will increase the frequency and seriousness of this type of incident.
"I believe there has been inadequate consultation with residents and local representatives."
Councillor Holland, pictured, wanted the decision to be adjourned to allow for more consultation, but county councillors approved the plans yesterday. County councillor Peter Beresford, cabinet lead for children and young people, said: "Once children come into our care it is our responsibility to ensure they have as normal a life as possible, so this is a critical and far-reaching decision.
"We need an assessment facility in order that when young people are placed in a fostering environment their moves are kept to a minimum, as in any normal family circumstance, which the majority of us enjoy."
Councillor Beresford admitted there have been problems in the past with the Birches and promised complaints from neighbours will be monitored closely.
ROW: The Birches children's home in Newcastle.
Comment on this story