CHILDREN at risk of coming into the care system could be homed at a new complex in West Oxfordshire, in the wake of Operation Bullfinch.

Oxfordshire County Council is planning to open a new “assessment centre” in Eynsham.

The centre at Litchfield Farm, off Merton Court, would provide short-term accommodation for up to six vulnerable young people aged between 12 and 17.

This will allow staff to assess them and determine whether they can go home or need to be fostered.

Plans for two other residential centres at Didcot and Thame were unveiled by the county council earlier this year. The three facilities are part of its response to Operation Bullfinch, which saw seven men given sentences totalling 95 years for their roles in a child sex abuse ring.

County council cabinet member for children, education and families Melinda Tilley said: “We all have a responsibility to help keep children safe, especially vulnerable young people who have often experienced traumatic childhoods. We want to work with local communities to provide the best possible environment for our young people.”

A public consultation will take place on Wednesday at Eynsham Village Hall between 4pm and 7pm.

 

 

 

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