A new children’s house for some of the most vulnerable young people in our community was opened at Cambusnethan in Wishaw this week by North Lanarkshire Council.

The house provides a comfortable home environment for up to six young people aged between 8 and 18 years for a period of time while they are unable to stay with their own families or carers. The house is the latest development in a major modernisation programme of the houses run by the council.

When a child cannot live at home, perhaps because of a family breakdown, illness of a parent or as a decision of the Children’s Panel, the council may require to accommodate the child. The council aims to accommodate children in such circumstances, particularly those aged up to 12, in a family environment with foster carers. However, some others will live in residential accommodation like the house in Cambusnethan.

The council’s five residential houses (in Coatbridge, Cambusnethan, Cumbernauld, Motherwell and Airdrie) are being redeveloped and modernised to provide a less institutional and more comfortable, home environment. Each unit will accommodate a maximum of six children.

Caroline Wallace, manager at the Cambusnethan home, says the new accommodation will help the young people to feel at home while they live there.

She said: "The design of the building is excellent – allowing privacy for children in single rooms with their own bathroom, and giving them space to study, and to meet with their families and staff. They also have very comfortable communal areas for relaxation. The new home will contribute significantly to the experience of children who cannot live with their own families, and my new staff team is committed to working with the children and their families when making plans for their future."

Councillor Harry McGuigan, Convener of the Social Work Committee, said:

"I am delighted to see the high standard of accommodation that has been provided in this new facility, giving the young people who will live here a comfortable and supportive home environment.

"Young people who are in the council’s care are facing a difficult, often traumatic, time in their lives and they need the assistance of professionals in social work, education and other areas to help them deal with the problems they face and move forward. They deserve the same opportunities to make a positive start in life as any other young person. The council is committed to providing the best environment and support services that we can, allowing them to grow and develop in a safe, healthy and responsible way."

Another children’s house was opened in September 2004 at Buchanan Street in Coatbridge, as part of the modernisation programme. The manager, Michael McPake, says that the new facilities have had a positive impact on the services they can provide. He said: "The new building certainly contributes to the quality of care we can offer to young people. For some children, this unit will be home for some time and we work hard to make the experience as positive as possible. While it is only one aspect of their care, I think that including young people in decision-making about how the unit looks and is cared for is a good preparation for their future."

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