A NEW “move-on” home for teenagers leaving care has been revealed by Oxfordshire County Council.

It will provide accommodation for up to four 16 to 19-year-olds as they develop independence skills, attend college or get jobs. The facility is proposed for the site of the former Moorlands Centre on Dark Lane, Witney, and would house young people as they prepare to leave the council’s care.

It’s one of four planned sites across the county for children in care or at risk of going into the care system.

The council’s cabinet member for children, education and families Melinda Tilley said the home would save money by reducing the need to send young people out of Oxfordshire.

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She said: “As any parent would wish, our top priority for older children in our care is providing a safe environment for them to learn the skills necessary to make the transition into young adulthood.

“The move on provision would encourage young people’s independence within the local community, but would also be closely monitored with a constant staff presence.

“We want to work with local communities to provide the best possible environment for our young people.”

Another similar home is planned in Didcot and two assessment centres – providing short-term accommodation for younger children at risk of going into the care system – are planned in Eynsham and Thame.

In total, the council said the four homes will provide 20 new places for vulnerable young people in the county.

Witney Town councillor Alan Beames said he thinks the home is needed, but said it must be properly managed to avoid problems with anti-social behaviour.

He said: “In principle I’m supportive of the idea. There’s a great need for accommodation for 16 to 19-year-olds because legally they can’t lease or rent anywhere.

“This is a social problem for 16-year-olds leaving care or foster care, they haven’t got anywhere to go.

“But it’s very important they have the right management and support for the management in place.

“The main concern will be anti-social behaviour.

“Typically, 16 to 19-year-olds like to turn their music up loud and sometimes engage in drug and alcohol abuse.

“Because you’ve got 16 to 19-year-olds it would have to be policed and there would need to be somebody as a caretaker resident.”

A public drop-in event to find out more about the proposal ahead of the formal planning process is being held at the High Street Methodist Church, Witney, today from 4pm to 7pm.

There is currently a similar facility in Witney run by St Mungo’s Broadway in partnership with West Oxfordshire District Council.

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