Placements & Referrals
We accept referrals 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Life does not stop at 5pm.
We welcome enquiries from local authority Children’s Social Care, and we will always give you an honest answer. If we are not the right home for a child, we will tell you quickly so you can keep searching.
Who We Support
Sanctuary 16 homes provide 24 hour, therapeutically informed care for children and young people aged 8 to 18 with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
The children we care for are likely to have experienced trauma, several previous placements or a placement breakdown. Each referral is assessed individually against the child’s needs and the children already living in the home.
What Happens When You Refer
1. Referral. Call our dedicated line or send the referral by secure email, with the child’s history, needs, risks, reports, previous care plans and placement chronology.
2. Written proposition. The registered manager reviews the referral and completes an impact assessment. We send a written proposition at the earliest opportunity, with any questions about gaps.
3. Meeting. If the placement looks suitable, we meet online with the allocated social worker.
4. Visit and welcome. The child and social worker visit. Where there is time, we invite the child for lunch or dinner and, where appropriate, a sleepover before moving in.
In exceptional circumstances we accept emergency referrals, with a placement planning meeting within 72 hours, and we offer emergency collection anywhere in the UK by two DBS cleared staff.
Our Standards & Compliance
All Sanctuary 16 homes are registered with Ofsted and operate under the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Quality Standards. Our homes are not secure children’s homes.
We work in partnership with placing authorities, Independent Reviewing Officers, schools and health professionals, with regular updates and open, honest communication.
Frequently asked questions
What ages do you care for?
Children and young people aged 8 to 18 with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
Where are your homes?
Our homes are small and based across Surrey. To keep children safe, we share addresses only with placing authorities.
Are your homes secure children’s homes?
No. Our homes are registered with Ofsted under the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and are not secure children’s homes.
Do you accept emergency placements?
In exceptional circumstances, yes. We hold a placement planning meeting within 72 hours.
What therapeutic support is available?
Children receive therapeutically informed care from our staff team and can access one to one therapy through our partner therapist.
How do I make a referral?
Call 020 7164 6062, 24 hours a day, or send referral documents by secure email to referrals@sanctuary16.co.uk.
Placement Enquiries
For initial discussions about availability and suitability, call our dedicated referral line on 020 7164 6062, 24 hours a day.
Submit a Referral
Social workers and commissioning teams can send referral information and documents by secure email to referrals@sanctuary16.co.uk
Out of hours
Our referral line is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. To safeguard a child from potential or immediate risk of harm, call 020 7164 6062 and ask to speak to a manager.