Children Services
When Placements Break Down, We Step Up
At Direct Children Services, we understand that when a looked after child's placement breaks down, the clock is ticking.
Every moment of uncertainty adds to a young person's trauma, and every delay increases risk. That's why we've built our entire service around one critical promise: rapid response when it matters most.
As a specialist branch of Direct Homecare, we deliver urgent crisis support and emergency placements for looked after children across the region. Available around the clock, our highly trained team can mobilise within hours of referral—providing immediate safe accommodation, expert supervision, and trauma-informed care that stabilises children during their most vulnerable moments.
We don't just provide a roof and supervision. We provide safety, consistency, and compassionate professionalism from people who understand what crisis looks like—and know exactly how to respond. With rigorous staff training, clinical expertise on hand, and a deep commitment to safeguarding, we ensure every child in our care is treated with the dignity, respect, and support they deserve.
About Us
Direct Children Services was established to fill a critical gap in emergency care provision for looked after children. Born from Direct Homecare's proven track record in delivering high-quality support services, we recognised the urgent need for a responsive, reliable crisis placement service that local authorities and social care teams could depend on—day or night.
Our approach is built on three pillars: speed, quality, and safety. We maintain a team of carefully selected, extensively trained professionals who are ready to deploy at a moment's notice. Every member of our team understands the complexities of working with children in crisis, and every placement is underpinned by robust safeguarding protocols and trauma-informed practice.
Who We Work With
We work in close partnership with:
Local Authority Children's Services – providing emergency placement solutions when standard options aren't available or placements break down unexpectedly
Social Workers and Child Protection Teams – collaborating on care planning, risk management, and next steps to ensure continuity of care
Emergency Duty Teams (EDT) – responding to out-of-hours crises with immediate placement capacity
CAMHS and Therapeutic Services – coordinating mental health support and ensuring clinical needs are met during placement
Police and Multi-Agency Safeguarding Teams – working together when children are at immediate risk or missing from care
Foster Care Agencies and Residential Providers – stepping in to bridge gaps between placements or provide respite during crisis periods
We believe that effective crisis care requires seamless collaboration. That's why communication is at the heart of everything we do. Clear handovers, regular updates, and transparent documentation ensure everyone involved in a child's care can make informed decisions quickly.
How We Help
When a placement breaks down, our process is simple, swift, and supportive:
Immediate Response – Once we receive a referral, our team assesses the situation and mobilises within hours. We gather essential information about the child's needs, risks, and circumstances to ensure we're fully prepared.
Safe Accommodation – We provide suitable, secure accommodation tailored to the child's age, needs, and risk profile. Every environment is designed to feel safe, not institutional—offering young people space to stabilise and begin to feel contained.
Expert Supervision – Our staff provide 24/7 waking support with appropriate levels of supervision based on individual risk assessments. Whether a young person needs close monitoring or breathing room, we adapt our approach to what works best.
Trauma-Informed Care – We recognise that placement breakdowns are traumatic events. Our team is trained to respond with empathy, patience, and understanding—creating an environment where children feel heard, valued, and safe.
Collaborative Planning – Throughout the placement, we work closely with social workers and other professionals to support next steps planning, ensuring smooth transitions to longer-term solutions.
Crisis Intervention – When behaviours escalate or risks increase, our trained staff know how to de-escalate situations safely, protecting both the young person and those around them.
Our goal isn't just to house children in crisis, it's to stabilise them, support them, and give local authorities the time and space they need to find the right long-term solution.
Why Choose Direct Children Services?
Rapid Deployment – We respond within hours, not days, ensuring children aren't left in unsafe or uncertain situations while alternatives are found.
Uncompromising Quality – Every placement is delivered by trained, experienced professionals who put children's safety and wellbeing first.
Transparent Communication – You'll know exactly what's happening, when, and why. We keep social workers, EDT, and other professionals informed every step of the way.
Flexible & Responsive – We adapt to the unique needs of each child and situation—no two placements are the same, and neither are our approaches.
Part of Direct Homecare – Backed by a trusted, established care provider with robust governance, insurance, and operational systems in place.
For urgent referrals or enquiries about Direct Children Services, our team is available 24/7.
Email: referrals.children@directhomecare.co.uk
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