Our Story So Far

Safe Places for Children UK was established and registered as a charity on 28 April 2016, following the successful introduction of the Safe Places Integrated Practice Framework (IPF) from Australia to the United Kingdom.

The charity's origins began when senior managers, originally from the UK but working with Safe Places in Australia, successfully presented a proposal to the Australian Board during a "Shark Tank" initiative (Australia's equivalent of Dragon's Den). Their proposal secured approval to bring the Safe Places Integrated Practice Framework to the UK, creating the opportunity to deliver a therapeutic residential model of care for children and young people across England and Northern Ireland.

Drawing on their extensive experience of implementing the IPF in Australia, these senior managers returned to the UK to establish Safe Places for Children and introduce a model of care that is research-informed, practical and underpinned by therapeutic principles. The Integrated Practice Framework specialises in providing high-quality care within small, nurturing residential homes where children can develop trusting relationships, build resilience and achieve positive outcomes.

As the organisation developed strong partnerships with Local Authorities, Health and Social Care Trusts, and regulatory bodies, we gained a deeper understanding of the needs of children and young people who would benefit from our therapeutic approach. These relationships have helped shape the continued development of our services and ensured our model meets the needs of the communities we serve.

Growing Our Services in Northern Ireland

Safe Places for Children achieved registration with the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA), enabling us to open our first children's home in May 2019. Since then, we have continued to grow:

  • May 2019 – Our first children's home opened.

  • May 2023 – Our second children's home opened.

  • May 2025 – Our third children's home opened.

Each of our Northern Ireland homes provides medium- to long-term therapeutic placements for a maximum of two young people, creating a stable, family-style environment where each child receives highly individualised care and support.

Looking Ahead

Safe Places for Children remains committed to expanding our services across England and Northern Ireland so that more children and young people can benefit from our therapeutic model of care. As we continue to grow, we remain dedicated to reviewing, learning and evolving our practice to ensure we deliver the highest standards of care and achieve the best possible outcomes for every young person we support.

Everything we do is centred on one simple principle: At Safe Places, it's all about the young people.

If you are a Local Authority, Health and Social Care Trust, or commissioning organisation and would like to find out more about our services, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please visit our Contact Us page or email us at: