Our approach

We work in partnership with local authorities, integrated care boards, and health services to support CYP with:

• Mental health needs
• Learning disabilities
• Neurodiversity
• Challenging behaviours
• Risk of criminal or sexual exploitation (CCE/CSE)

All our homes are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted or CIW.

Our Residential Services

We currently operate:

• 11 homes for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD)
• 14 homes for disabled children and young people, including 3 solo placement homes
• 24 short break services

Each home provides a nurturing, trauma-informed environment where children feel safe, supported, and understood.

Our Approach: Trauma-Informed, Child-Centred

Our HOMES Framework underpins every service we deliver. We support children with complex needs including:

• Attachment disruption and developmental trauma
• Social communication difficulties (e.g. autism)
• Executive functioning challenges
• High-risk behaviours (e.g. self-harm, aggression, school exclusion)

We work closely with professionals and families to co-create tailored care plans that build on each child’s strengths.

Investing in the Future

We are committed to expanding our impact through our £8.45 million capital investment in 13 new residential homes across England and Wales:

• 3 homes open
• 3 awaiting registration
• 7 in development

This growth is part of our strategic goal: More Safe and Happy Childhoods.

Ethical, Sustainable Care

As a charity, 0% of our income is taken as profit. Every penny is reinvested into delivering sustainable, high-quality care. We are proud to be an ethical investor in children’s futures.

Working with Local Authorities

We understand the challenges of developing new homes, especially around planning and change of use (C3 to C2). Our experience shows:

• Inconsistent planning decisions across councils
• Public consultations can expose vulnerable children to stigma and misinformation
• We advocate for Lawful Use Certificates where appropriate to streamline the process

We’re committed to working collaboratively with local authorities to find solutions that prioritise children’s safety and community confidence.

Engaging with Communities

We know that opening a children’s home can raise questions. That’s why we:

• Engage early and openly with local residents
• Provide clear information about who we support and how
• Work to build trust and positive relationships in every neighbourhood

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Over 30 Years of Expertise

Action for Children has a proven track record of delivering high-quality residential and short-break services for children and young people (CYP) with complex needs, including mental health challenges, learning disabilities, neurodiversity, and those at risk of exploitation. All our homes are rated Good or Outstanding by regulators.

A Trauma-Informed, Therapeutic Approach

Our HOMES Framework underpins everything we do:

• Helping to Build and Maintain Connections
• Outcomes Focused and Evidence Based
• Making Sense Together
• Empowerment and ‘Working With’
• Safe, Stable Base

This model ensures every child experiences a nurturing, family-style environment where trust, belonging, and stability are central. Staff are trained in therapeutic approaches such as PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy) and supported by clinical psychologists.

Personalised Care for Complex Needs

We specialise in supporting CYP with histories of trauma, attachment disruption, and high-risk behaviours. Our homes for disabled children and short-break services embed an inclusive ethos, helping CYP build independence, communication skills, and confidence.

Evidence-Informed Practice

We invest in research, including partnerships with universities, to understand what works best in residential care. This helps us measure outcomes, improve quality, and ensure our homes deliver real impact for children and commissioners.

Ethical and Sustainable

As a charity, 0% of income is taken as profit. Every penny is reinvested into improving services and outcomes for children. Our £8.45m capital investment programme is creating 13 new homes across England and Wales, addressing the national shortage of high-quality placements.

Partnership and Community Engagement

We work collaboratively with local authorities, health services, and communities to ensure placements are successful and sustainable. Our approach is transparent, inclusive, and focused on shared goals.