Moray Council closes children's home at 6 Culbin Road, Forres

A CHILDREN’S home in Forres has been closed by Moray Council.

Residential facilities at 6 Culbin Road are deemed surplus to requirements, so staff and the young people staying there have been moved elsewhere.

Moray councillor Lorna Creswell confirmed the building was no longer needed.

She said: “It only had two children in it, so they’re now in alternative provision.”

A survey was carried out as part of a wider independent care review that led the local authority to re-think how children are cared for. This resulted in a change to how they are supported – the major overhaul of young people’s care since the introduction of the social work system.

A council spokesperson said: “We are committed to The Promise. Within that, there is a focus on supporting children and young people to remain in their families. We carried out tasks to match the needs of young people, reviewed our vacancies within the council and, with Action for Children (AFC), undertook an options appraisal, and took into consideration the high number of residential placements we can already accommodate.

“Following consultation with staff and planning for the young people that would be affected by the closure, it was decided to reduce the contract with AFC for the delivery of service to two from three residential houses.”

Action for Children (formerly National Children’s Home) is a charity created to help vulnerable children, young people and families.

An AFC spokesperson said: “Our family support services offer tools and strategies to assist families to create safe and loving family environments. Residential care provision must be available for those times when it is in the child’s interest to take time away from the family home. We are grateful for the support of the council during our 22 years delivering residential care in Moray and look forward to that partnership continuing with other projects we deliver in the area.”