Why are children’s homes ideally located close to a child's network?

The ideal location of children’s homes close to a child's existing network is primarily to minimize disruption in their lives. Children in care often face significant emotional and psychological challenges, and maintaining connections with familiar people, such as family, friends, and their community, is crucial for their well-being. Being close to their existing support network helps to provide a sense of stability and continuity in their lives, which can be comforting during a time of change and uncertainty.

This proximity can also support ongoing relationships with birth families, which is important for a child's identity and emotional health. Regular contact can help children feel more secure and less isolated, aiding in their overall development and adjustment to living in a children’s home. Adjusting to care is already a significant transition; thus, efforts to keep children connected to their existing networks can significantly reduce trauma and facilitate better outcomes in their lives.