Every child deserves the right home and care. Changes to children's homes in Wales must not put that at risk.
The Children's Homes Association (CHA) is coordinating CareChildrenNeed.Wales, a campaign calling for a review of Wales's residential childcare reforms to protect the homes, experienced teams and specialist support children rely on.
Why the campaign matters
The previous Welsh Government introduced a policy to phase out private providers of children's residential care by 2030.
More than three-quarters of registered children's-home services and places in Wales are privately run. Many have spent decades building experienced teams, specialist expertise and trusted relationships with children.
Under current arrangements, providers wishing to continue must close their existing businesses and establish new charities, with no other not-for-profit models currently accepted. This risks losing established services and expertise before sufficient suitable alternatives are in place.
CHA supports the principle that money intended for children's care should benefit children. But reform must not leave children with fewer suitable homes or disrupt the care they depend on.
What we're calling for
CHA and CareChildrenNeed.Wales are calling on the current Welsh Government to:
1. Delay the timescales: Allow time to secure suitable care before further restrictions take effect. Delay implementation to 2035, with annual milestones and checks.
2. Review the policy and its implementation: Reassess the evidence on care availability, costs, workforce capacity and the impact of the reforms.
3. Protect the care children need: Develop workable alternatives that allow good existing homes, experienced teams and expertise to remain within the care system.
Explore the evidence and take action
The campaign website provides national evidence and local analysis for all 22 Welsh local-authority areas. Find out how the reforms could affect children in your area and contact your Member of the Senedd to call for change.
Visit CareChildrenNeed.Wales
CHA supports the principle that money intended for children's care should benefit children. But reform must not leave children with fewer suitable homes or disrupt the care they depend on.
CHA's consultation response
CHA's response to the Welsh Government's consultation raises concerns about the timetable, availability of suitable care, costs and barriers facing existing providers.
• Read CHA's full consultation response (PDF)
• Read CHA's statement on the consultation response