New children’s home gets green light

A NEW children’s home is to be built in Dalkeith.

Midlothian Council has approved a proposals for a four-bedroom facility – one of two new units that will replace existing accommodation at Midfield House Young People’s Centre in Bonnyrigg.

A 2010 inspection by the Care Commission graded Midfield as “very good” for the quality of care and support but “weak” in terms of the quality of the building.

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Problems included bedrooms that were too small, a lack of private spaces and a location that could be considered inaccessible. The council has already agreed to site a four bedroom home within the Eastfield Care hub in Penicuik.

Councillor Jackie Aitchison, the council’s social work spokesman, said: “Our two new four-bed homes are expected to meet the need for residential childcare, provide an environment to achieve best child care practice and meet national care standards.

“We want to achieve the same outcomes for our looked-after young people as any good parent would want for their own child.

“Research highlights that the design of children’s homes has a significant impact on young people, their relationships and self worth.”