By Charlene Gatt
MAIDSTONE’S Baird St residents will meet with the Department of Human Services this month to discuss a proposed residential care home for youths.
Residents have sought consultation with the department since November last year when they received notification about the proposed development at 31 Baird St.
Construction is expected to start in July on the home, which will provide a home for up to four young people who are unable to live with their families because of abuse or neglect.
Youths that have been released from juvenile detention centres will also be eligible to live on the premises.
Adult staff in the home will provide the youths with 24-hour supervision and the opportunity to live in a home-like environment, attend school and receive support to meet their developmental needs.
Residents are unimpressed by the new development, especially because there are already four other DHS properties along the same street. “It’s a bit much for one little street,” said one resident, who did not want to be named.
The DHS has agreed to meet with up to six residents later this month.
“The new home will provide much needed accommodation for young people and will be managed by Salvation Army Westcare, who have many years of experience in working with young people and a good reputation in managing residential units such as Baird St,” DHS spokesperson Brendan Ryan said.
