Children and young people who are being looked after by the local authority are now enjoying contact with their families in a dedicated contact centre.
Swansea Council child and family services made the move as contact was previously taking place in different venues around the city.
The adjoining houses of Ty Gwaun and Ty Cwm former children’s homes have been transformed into a warm, welcoming and child friendly Family Contact Centre.
The new arrangements provide greater continuity and consistency for looked after children and their families and a more positive experience when meeting with their parents and siblings.
The former children’s homes have been refurbished and kitted out with everything from toys to baby bouncers to make the meetings as child friendly as possible for children who for a variety of reasons are unable to live at home.
The Family Contact Centre is now used for more than 100 visits weekly and feedback has been positive from families and staff alike.
Principal Officer Julie Thomas said: “The feedback so far is that families like the venues and feel they are a comfortable, homely and welcoming environment in which to see their children.
“Staff using the centre have also been positive about the improved quality of the service for children and their families.”
Cllr Nick Tregoning. Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Services, said: “These buildings have been transformed into a vital resource for vulnerable children.
“The centre is a response to feedback from staff, families and young people. It is part of our continuing efforts to improve what we offer to those children and their families in Swansea who need our help.”
As well as a family waiting area, the centre boasts nine contact rooms including two family rooms able to accommodate large family and sibling groups.
Other rooms vary in size but all have resources to support active play and provide a positive environment for children and parents to get together as a family.
