1.1.1 Introduction

Introduction 

CastleCare (formally Castle Homes Care) was conceived by a group of socially concerned Kent businessmen who became aware of the need for the provision of high quality Children's Homes to provide the care for society's most disadvantaged children. 

In the event, for one reason or another, most were unable to proceed with this project and it was left to John Mackenzie, the former Managing Director and his then partner, Roger Jenner to undertake the project.  Although they recognised the need, both were from outside the caring profession and so, for the first 18 months of the company's life, they undertook extensive research and while doing so became well known in both Local and Central government to the extent that their views as laymen were sought on the provision of the 1989 Children Act.

The company acquired its first Children's Home in 1989 by acquiring a family run Children's Home, which is now Alexandra House, from a couple who wished to change their professional direction.  This was followed shortly after by the acquisition and opening of Victoria House, a home for younger children.  At this time David Ayers joined the company, initially to manage the company's first home but in the short order was appointed to be Head of Care under the two Directors.  As the company was constantly requested to accept children as emergency placements, which could be at any time of the day, with the consequent disruption to the homes, it was identified that there was a need for a dedicated Crisis/Reception Home. 

CastleCare designated Alexandra House to meet this need with the 'long-stay' children and staff relocating to Allenby House in 1991 and a new staff team being recruited for the task.  This was one of the first of two Registered Homes in the country offering this particular provision outside of Local Authority control.  Subsequently Haven House, in Sidcup undertook this function in 1993 as it had become quickly apparent that our users required a quicker response time than a home in Deal could provide.  Alexandra House becoming a short-term/Remand Home.  Following this, CastleCare has opened Registered Homes at an average of one a year.

Unfortunately, in 1995, Roger Jenner one the of the initial Directors was obliged to take early retirement due to extreme ill-health and David Ayers was appointed Director in his place.

Following requests from several Local Authorities, the company undertook to open small homes that are unregistrable by nature of their size (Intensive Support Projects) under the leadership of Steve Richmond.  This project has been extremely successful.  It had been thought that each of these homes would only have residents for eight months out of each year, in the event none has ever been empty and the programme is often over-subscribed.  Again in response to demand, CastleCare has been obliged to open more of this provision and there are currently 29 small homes.

Over the period the company has been operating, it has always been in the forefront of responding to society's needs and at this time has a broad spread of provision meeting most needs.  However, CastleCare continue to improve their existing provision and seek to fulfil the needs of Placing Authorities for more specialist services and staff members can expect to see an increase in provision which in turn will lead to further career opportunities.

Click here to view a Summary of the Company's Organisational Structure.

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