ICHA Conference 2010: 'The Need for Quality Residential Care'.
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Welcome

Welcome to the website of The Independent Children's Homes Association.

The ICHA is the voice of independent providers of child care services and resources for children and young people. We are a not for profit Association, representing professionals who have chosen to work in the Independent sector.

We currently represent more than 70 member organisations. Those members represent over half of the independent capacity in England and Wales.

What we aim to do..

ICHA aims to be the voice of the independent children’s homes sector, representing members on the most pressing issues of the day on the quality of childcare and outcomes for vulnerable children.

Who listens to us..

We are consulted by Central and Local Government (including DCSF [Department for Children, Schools and Families] and CWDC [Children's Workforce Development Council]), Consortia and Regulators (including CSCI and Ofsted), and liaise with NCERCC(National Centre for Excellence in Residential Child Care) and WAG (Welsh Assembly Government ).

Featured articles

Social pedagogy in residential child care practiced in Denmark is often favourably compared with that of the UK. ICHA led visit and reflection.

The model of social pedagogy in residential child care practiced in Denmark is often favourably compared with that of the UK. The Danish model is seen as more relationship-based and creative as well as more effective in terms of outcomes and cost. The ICHA’s visit aimed to further the understanding of Danish Social Pedagogy thinking and practice, which has often been commended. As the largest residential child care provider organisation in England and Wales, we seek the best practice for looked after children. We organised this study tour, with three parliamentarians, an acknowledged expert on residential child care and leading members of the ICHA as a contribution to a more holistic appreciation of the traditions and influences on residential child care options for young people.