Children’s homes are designed to offer help and support to children who have suffered traumas or emotional problems and/or are left without a family to care for them due to bereavement or because of instances of neglect.
Many of the children in the care of children’s home today are there on what is now as respite care.
Children’s homes are split into two categories:
Respite Care
Residential Care
Respite Care
Respite care is help and support given to the parents of children who may have behavioural difficulties or physical disabilities that makes looking after them in the family home difficult. In these instances the respire children’s homes will take the children for a period of time to allow the parents time to rest and also to help them learn about to best look after their child when they return home.
This is often very useful if a child has suffered physical or mental disability because of an accident or illness after birth whereas previously they were in perfect health. Under these circumstances the looking after of a child with a disability can be emotionally and physically very demanding on the parents so any respite care can be a welcome relief.
Residential Care
As the name suggests this type of care is administered when a child and/or children have been placed into the long term care of a children’s residential establishment. This can be because of problems at home or at school or the result of emotional difficulties or behavioural problems that the parents feel they are unable to deal with. Likewise local authorities in conjunction with social services can make recommendations that children be placed in residential care for the sake of themselves and those round them but it has to be said that this is a last resort in most cases.
Again these admissions to residential children’s homes can be made on a short or long term basis and can also be instigated in emergency situations if necessary.
Principles of Children's Homes
In both of these types of children’s home it is important to remember that the welfare of the child is paramount as is his or her education. Their education will continue as it did when they lived away from the home and where necessary – and where possible – therapy and counselling will be given to those children whom staff consider would benefit from it.
Every effort is made to ensure that life within these children’s home runs as smoothly and as normally as possible and as such the children are encouraged to interact with each other and engage in social activities that might allow for a flourishing of character and personality – something that may have been stilted away from the home.
Regular mentoring sessions are held and it is important that all parties are kept up to date on the welfare and progress of the children.
Working in a Children's Home
If you would like to work in children’s care homes or volunteer your services you can contact the home you are interested in directly.
Again a qualification in childcare is advantageous as is the ability to communicate and relate to children who will have learning or behavioural problems.
For more information you can contact your local Social Services and/or Local Education Authority (LEA) and they will be able to set you on the right path.
It is also worth noting that again working with children makes it necessary for you to have an up to date DBS disclosure.
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Hi I am just wonderingI am keen to work I. A children home having been in care myself I have no gcsc in childcare
Trace - 30-Jun-24 @ 8:26 AM
Hi,
I am extremely interested in working in a children’s home and helping children that I once was. I had a difficult upbringing and grew up in and out of care towards the end of me teens my key workers in the home made me who I am today and I would love to give back. As a teen I had dealing with the police and 10 years on I can say I am no longer that troubled teen. I am aware they do a DBS would this still be a possible career path for me with the offences I created when I was a child ?
Thank you
Coco - 24-Jan-20 @ 10:26 AM
How old is the requirement to work in most children's home? Either respite or residential. As I applied when I was 19, and got turned down due to my age.
Ella - 20-Nov-19 @ 7:08 PM
I studied performing arts in college and currently work a full time job, I’ve always wanted to work with children, preferably in a children’s home I would like advice on what qualifications you need to do this?
Ld - 29-Jul-19 @ 4:50 AM
To all of you in this post I work in a residential children’s home. You do not need any qualifications to start, you need a clean dbs and the motivation to learn. You are usually on a 6 month probabtion period where you will complete A LOT of training courses, you will also complete a company induction and if in Wales a social care Wales induction,you will also be enrolled on Qcf level 3 health and social care working with children and young people. I started the job at 21, I’m now 26, I have gained level 3 and level 5 Qcf and also worked my way up and am now a deputy manager. The job is very hard at times but very rewarding and a great career path. The company I work for is keys group. Check them out
Kelsey - 18-Jun-19 @ 3:32 PM
I am 23 years of age. Graduated from university studying dance 2 years ago. I have worked with children since I was 15. Looking to start a career in a childrens care home. I would love some gudience. On how to go about this. Thank you.
Laura - 3-Jun-19 @ 6:14 PM
Hi there. My name is Brooke Alexander and I am 21 years old. I am currently studying my Bachelor of Arts at University but feeling a little lost as to where I want to go with it. I know I love children and have worked as a Teacher Aide previously for 2 years and have also looked after a little girl with a disability. All though, I would love to help people in all fields. I am always thinking of working at a children's home or children's hospital but do not know which career path to take or what qualifications I would need to do so. Can anyone help? Thank you :)
Brookie - 22-Apr-19 @ 8:34 AM
Hi, I'm 43 with 3 children. I've always worked with children since leaving high school- TA And play work.
I graduated in 2016 with a BA Hons in working with children. My third child arrived shortly afterwards so have been unemployed since.
I've always wanted to work in a children's home...which route would be the best to get my foot in the door?..
Tez - 10-Jan-19 @ 11:21 AM
Hi, I'm just wondering how you get a foot in the door in residential children's homes. I am 43 and got life experience, I have a teenage daughter of my own. I have no experience of working intros type of setting but worked in a nursery for 10 years and have NVQ Level 3 in child care and child development. I'm after a new challenge in my career after just finishing my BA Honours. Any help or advice on this would be gratefully received.
Moulin7 - 20-Jul-18 @ 10:55 AM
Hello im 41yr mother of 3 and looking to work with young children.I have volunteered at mind for 8 years and i volunteer for homestart aslo have been recently beenapproved as a respite foster carer .Wouldnt know where to start lookingor aplying any help would be great.I have all up to date enhanced dbs checks .
Tomo - 2-Jul-18 @ 8:16 AM
i was a carer for 8 years for my partner up until his sad passing in february 2016,since May 2016 i have been lucky enough to have been employed by a reputable care company up to date,i continuously read these sad stories from children and so wish i could be there to help and encourage,i have an up to date DBS,i know i could make a difference,my wish is to help and try to help young people on to the right path,i know i can do this,thankyou for reading
debs - 30-Apr-18 @ 9:21 PM
hi my name is sienna I am a 17 year old care in the care system. ive been I care since the age of 5 got adopted at 8 and unfortunately my relationship with my adopted mum broke down.so now I'm back in care. I know I'm young but i am mature for my age as my past experience allowed my to grow up faster mentally in comparison to others I'm just looking to do voluntary work so that i can gain more skill and help out with other kids who are like me to tr and give then the help and understanding that wasn't given to me and to let them know that life can get better .
sienna peters mccall - 27-Dec-17 @ 6:44 PM
I am 23 years of age and have been trying to get into working with children for the last couple of months now but no luck
I want to work in a children's home making and difference and helping young children
Can someone please help
Tammy Horgan - 26-Oct-17 @ 1:53 PM
I love children as a whole ... I've always loved working with them... I have done voluntary work at another children's care home for a school project... a few years ago... however i didnt want to stop helping out these children who had disabilities .. so I continued to do some voluntary work, roughly for about another year till i started my gcses i enjoyed it alot ... ( now im currently 16 years old )
is there " a working with kids " charity based in London... and if so .. whereabouts near isleworth please list ...?
i would really love to work in a childrens home ( i honestly enjoy it .... i enjoy it so much that i want to go into pedriactics when im older....)
Please give me some details ...
thank your for all your help
AM
AM - 19-Sep-17 @ 11:07 PM
I am 16, 17 in October and I'm currently studying health and social care level 3 then going onto the extended diploma in health and social care. I am wanting to work within either a child's care home being a support worker or to work with disabled children. What qualifications would I need to have to work within either of the two??
Katielouise - 19-Sep-17 @ 9:19 AM
I'm looking for work experience at a children's home in my area North West London, I'm currently doing A level, level 3 Health and Social Care and would need to do this placement between 11/06/18 to 06/07/18. Do you know any places.
shisha - 15-Sep-17 @ 3:01 PM
Jaja- Your Question:
I am 57 years old and have worked as a nanny for my adult life I am currently working in New York but will return to Derbyshire in the UK next August I am looking to do some volunteering work in children's homes or somehow helping children in the local community I was a Dr Barnardo's child myself and I would welcome the chance to give back in some way I have a vast knowledge of childcare sincerely Julia
Our Response:
You would have to apply directly. The Do-It site here may help you further. We wish you the best of luck.
WorkingWithKids - 31-Jul-17 @ 3:32 PM
I am 57 years old and have worked as a nanny for my adult life I am currently working in New York but will return to Derbyshire in the UK next August I am looking to do some volunteering work in children's homes or somehow helping children in the local community I was a Dr Barnardo's child myself and I would welcome the chance to give back in some way I have a vast knowledge of childcare sincerely Julia Holmes
Jaja - 29-Jul-17 @ 5:22 PM
taia - Your Question:
I am 18 years old and I've always wanted to work with children I haven't got any qualifications in child care yet but in September. I would like to now how I could get to work in a children care home?
Our Response:
You could check to see if there are any care home apprenticeships in your area via the gov.uk link here .
WorkingWithKids - 3-Jul-17 @ 3:12 PM
I am 18 years old and I've always wanted to work with children I haven't got any qualifications in child care yet but in September. I would like to now how I could get to work in a children care home?
taia - 1-Jul-17 @ 4:04 PM
I've been in 2 care home in Salford and its soo overrated. Safe environment? Most kids in the care homes go out together, fights, arguments, threats. All the time there is a bit of drama and the way some staff spy to you is disgusting. It's great what these staff do and it can be a hard job (paperwork, dealing with kick offs, social workers dropping stuff on you) but the environment when you step through them doors is horrible. Best thing about care is that you have someone to talk to a allocated key worker, complaints sheet get sorted out (any issues with staff, home, other residents of home etc.) I think people wanting to go in this profession will find it difficult and need to understand some people don't want you help And you have to understand that. I hate the fAct that you have to live with kids who swear, kick off, bring police to YOUR house and you can do nothing about it. Sometimes feels like a prison, on the other hand sometimes feels like a hotel. I feel sorry for some of the kids and I know they love care homes and love the fact that their settled and learn how to look after themselves (responsibility) Care homes is good! But a diverse place to live and work in. Not one day is the same.
JB - 10-Jun-17 @ 4:51 PM
I am 17 years old, im in 1st year of college I am studying child care working toward studying health and social care. I am planning a life line of working towards being a social worker for children which live in a home trying to give out help and guide them down the right life line. I would like to do work experience in a business of children's home and was wondering if possible, as of I know this job isn't an easy job and you would see two different sides of life like some suffering and not having an family and just being there would be mean a lot knowing that your able to be there to make someone happy would mean a lot but yeah I guess like to know if I'm able to get a chance to try out for work experience thank you.
Chy chy - 8-Jan-17 @ 4:32 PM
I am nearly fifteen and I really want to be a care worker in a children's home for my work experience I do do healthand social care at school and it really interests me please get back to me asap
Gina - 25-Nov-16 @ 5:42 PM
Hey my names Amy and I'm 15 years old , I'm in year ten and at the end of the year I'm doing work experience, I want to work with kids and I know kids are a big responsibility but I've always wanted to work with children and care for them and ideas on what I could do?
Amylmosettig - 16-Nov-16 @ 8:34 PM
Hello, Im Sammie. Im 15 Years old,In Year 10. Currently looking for work experience to do with foster care/Childrens care home as it fits the role of what i want to do in the future which is a social worker. However, I am having some Troubles looking for foster homes to take me into voluntary work as I understand it requires alot of responsibilities. But this would be perfect for experience and would very much enjoy it.
I appreciate it.
Thank You.
SammieLDN - 11-Nov-16 @ 7:31 PM
RA - Your Question:
Hi, I'm a Primary School teacher and I really want to go into a residential home one evening a week and help out. I've rung a couple of our local homes and they've said they're not doing voluntary work. Is there anyone I can contact for some info? Thanks
Our Response:
I can only suggest you look via the Do-It site here and search to see if any residential homes are requesting voluntary help.
WorkingWithKids - 26-Jul-16 @ 12:50 PM
Hi, I'm a Primary School teacher and I really want to go into a residential home one evening a week and help out. I've rung a couple of our local homes and they've said they're not doing voluntary work. Is there anyone I can contact for some info? Thanks
RA - 25-Jul-16 @ 5:58 PM
saint1 - Your Question:
I'm looking to get into a children's home I was in one myself 14 years ago and now I'm ready to give back how do I go about doing it like what qualifications I need and such like
Our Response:
Residential support workers look after the physical and mental wellbeing of children or vulnerable adults in care, see link here for more information on the qualifications you'd need. Plus see the family support worker link here for the same.
WorkingWithKids - 16-May-16 @ 2:45 PM
I'm looking to get into a children's home I was in one myself 14 years ago and now I'm ready to give back how do I go about doing it like what qualifications I need and such like
saint1 - 16-May-16 @ 10:05 AM
northern Si - Your Question:
I am now 48 years old and have a wealth of experince with abusive parents, care home's crime, prison, drugs and all the problems a child that come's through the care system will face when their time in care comes to an end and they are dumped in to the world to fend for them self's without a support network, such as parents and family. I have also now found out that I managed to survive all this as a man with Asperger. It has given me the chance to learn so much about the problems children like me will face and I think that it would help me to be able to help guide others that face these challenges. I understand how it feels, what it is that a child in this position needs and most importantly how to present and provide that help. I would be happy for the chance to save children that now face the life I faced form the pain that comes with and after a life in care. please send me some advise on how I can help
Our Response:
Firstly, I am glad you have come out of the other end of the care system and wish to help others in similar situations. Having gone through such experiences can be a great help in especially if you are considering volunteering. Child Autism may be able to help or at least point you in the right direction in trying to combine both of the elements you wish to work in, please see link: here . The council provides a wide range of support to people who have autism, aspergers or learning disabilities and there are many ways volunteers can add to and enhance their experience, so you may wish to also contact your council directly too. The Do-It site may also help here. Without the relevant social care qualifications, it is difficult to find paid positions in this capacity, but if you try volunteering first it may open doors and create opportunities in your chosen direction. Good luck.