“The CHA Code of Practice reflects our shared commitment to improving services and outcomes for children and young people.”

Our Code of Practice

The Children’s Association Code of Practice

Every member of the Children’s Homes Association is required to sign and adhere to our Code of Practice. It’s important because it demonstrates our shared commitment to quality care, improving services and improving outcomes for children and young, and our commitment to supporting each other as we strive for exemplary residential child care.

Membership of The Children’s Homes Association defines organisations that are committed to:

  • Continually improving outcomes for children and young people in their care
  • High quality care and welfare being provided by all involved in the life of a child

We support members to achieve these aims through information, peer support and representation at local, regional and national levels. 

Core aspects of The Children’s Homes Association Code of Practice

Paramount is the safeguarding, wishes and interests, of each child. This is shown by core aspects of the Code of Practice. 

  • Act at all times in accordance with the welfare and safeguarding interest of children placed within their service. 
  • Ensure the wishes and feelings of individual children placed are central to any service offered to them or decision affecting their care. 
  • Promote a culture of professional openness and integrity in the care of children placed.
  •  Work individually and collectively to improve services and thereby improve the welfare of, and outcomes for, children placed. 

Commitments of Children’s Homes Association Members

Members of The Children’s Homes Association will: 

  1. Provide services which consistently provide positive outcomes for young people and comply with regulatory standards. 
  2. Ensure all staff are appropriately qualified, trained, supervised and supported to deliver high quality care. 
  3. Ensure resources, systems, policies and procedures are in place to underpin high quality care. 
  4. Promote a culture of continuous improvement throughout the range of services provided. 
  5. Support other members (by practical means or in the provision of information/advice) in the delivery of improved services. 
  6. Promote the Safeguarding of all children. 

Members agree to notify our officers about any member who willingly or repeatedly fail to act in accordance with this Code of Practice and/or brings The Children’s Homes Association into disrepute.