Haven Care Support Services provides specialist residential homes for young people aged 11–18 with emotional, developmental and behavioural needs. Person-centred, trauma-informed, and focused on helping every young person develop confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging.
Make a Referral Learn MoreWe operate warm, welcoming residential homes across Kent across two houses with up to three places, providing safe accommodation and around-the-clock support from experienced, trauma-informed staff.
Every young person helps shape their own care plan with their Key Worker, built around SMART goals with regular reviews. We measure progress and celebrate every step forward.
We specialise in supporting young people with emotional, developmental, and behavioural difficulties. Our strength-based, non-judgemental approach encourages growth, stability, and positive choices.
Following our first full inspection in January 2026, Ofsted rated Haven Care Support Services “Good” across all three areas of assessment.
“Children are offered care that enables them to feel safe and to develop a sense of belonging. As a result, children have been helped to better manage their emotions.” — Ofsted Inspection Report, January 2026
“One child, who has experienced a high number of previous placements, is building connections with trusted adults and is feeling at home for the first time.” — Ofsted Inspection Report, January 2026
“Professionals speak highly about how the manager has worked through complex situations with commitment and flexibility. One professional said the manager ‘never gives up’. Another said they are ‘amazing’.” — Ofsted Inspection Report, January 2026
Founded in 2013, Haven Care Support Services was established to provide support and accommodation for care-experienced young people. We are commissioned by local authorities to provide residential care for children and young people aged 11–18 who can no longer live with their families, often due to complex emotional, behavioural, or developmental needs.
For over a decade, we've worked alongside Kent County Council and other local authorities to offer far more than just accommodation — we provide stability, guidance, and a team of dedicated professionals who care deeply about making a difference.
We are proud that every child who has left our care has moved on to either a registered provider or returned home — we have never given notice to end a placement.
Our homes look after young people aged 11–18 who are in care and cannot live with a family. We can accommodate up to three young people across two houses, with placements of any length. We support young people who:
We understand that many young people requiring residential care are at particular risk of exploitation and disengagement. We provide a framework of care and education that keeps them safe and supports their development towards adulthood.
Everything we do is guided by four core values that shape how we care for young people, support our staff, and work with partners.
Having tolerance and supporting each other, with sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and experiences.
We encourage and develop the progression of others, accepting that each person is unique.
We care about the growth and development of our young people, staff members and the impact we make on each other.
We value those who show deep admiration for others for their abilities, qualities and achievements.
We offer fully tailored, high-quality residential care that focuses on growth, resilience, and readiness for independent living. Our person-centred and strength-based approach helps young people change beliefs and behaviours by setting incremental, achievable goals.
Each young person works with their Key Worker to create their own pathway to progress, built around SMART goals. Plans are reviewed continually, and young people are encouraged to take ownership of their objectives. We measure the impact of their stay so they can see how far they've come.
We believe education is the key to future success. We expect all young people to attend school and take active steps to maintain full attendance. Where school isn't available, we provide structured learning, homework support, and work closely with schools and colleges to deal with barriers to achievement.
Evenings and weekends include regular outings, swimming, cinema trips, visits to museums and cultural sites. We work with partners in education, creative arts, sports and leisure to get young people engaged. We aspire to provide at least one holiday a year.
Every young person is registered with a local GP, dentist and optician. We have strong links with CAMHS and work to ensure all health and development needs are addressed as a priority, including mental health support, substance misuse education, and sexual health awareness.
Our comprehensive service is designed to meet every aspect of a young person's needs, from education and health to independence and safeguarding.
We operate warm, welcoming homes in Strood, offering three bedrooms across two houses for young people aged 11–18. Each home is staffed by experienced, trauma-informed caregivers who build trusting relationships.
Every young person has their own bedroom with a desk for study, internet access, and TV. They are encouraged to personalise their room with photographs, posters, and personal possessions.
Homes include a kitchen, lounge, dining room, and in one house a games room. Outside, gardens provide space for outdoor activities.
Two of our properties have ground-floor bedrooms, suitable for children with limited mobility or those requiring closer supervision.
At least two staff are always on duty, with a senior manager on call. At night, two members of staff are present in the home at all times.
Our work is guided by the Lundy Model, ensuring young people are not just cared for but are active participants in shaping their own futures. We use this framework for meaningful conversations, Key Worker sessions, and support planning.
A safe and supportive place to share their views through group or one-to-one conversations.
Encouragement to express needs, hopes, and concerns — and confidence that they will be listened to.
Ensuring those in authority hear and respect what they say, from house meetings to staff recruitment.
Showing young people that their input shapes real decisions — and that promises are kept.
Good relationships with consistent caregivers who are also good role models are key to everything we do.
All staff undergo Enhanced DBS checks and safer recruitment processes. Our team holds or is working towards Level 3 Diplomas, with specialist training in safeguarding, child development, PREVENT, county lines, CSE and online safety.
We use the Lundy Model to ensure every young person's voice is heard. Young people are involved in house meetings, care planning, and we aspire to involve them in staff recruitment for long-term placements.
We prefer to reward positive behaviour rather than impose sanctions. Each young person has an incentive scheme agreed with them, earning extra rewards by achieving their behavioural aims within consistent, fair boundaries.
Ofsted rated across all areas, January 2026
Years supporting young people across Kent
Staff on site with a manager always on call
Keeping young people safe and preparing them for independent living are at the heart of everything we do.
We have a dedicated safeguarding lead and strong relationships with LADO services in Kent and Medway. Staff are trained to recognise early signs of exploitation, enable disclosures, and work closely with Police and social workers to manage risk through multi-agency collaboration.
From the moment a young person arrives, we begin preparing them for adulthood. This includes cooking, shopping, budgeting, laundry, finding work, managing money, paying bills, and building the emotional resilience to cope independently.
When a young person is ready to leave, we support a smooth transition with comprehensive planning. We seek feedback through exit surveys and share memorabilia from their time with us, so they have an identity from the time spent in our care.
On receipt of a placement request, our management team will assess whether we can meet the young person's needs, ensure appropriate matching, and arrange a visit to the prospective home. We work collaboratively with the young person's network to develop a transition plan that puts their voice at the centre.
01474 230 195 Contact UsWe'd love to hear from you. Whether you have questions about our homes, want to make a referral, or simply wish to find out more, our team is here to help.
39 Biddenden Way, Istead Rise,
Gravesend, Kent, DA13 9DE
At Haven Care Support Services, we are dedicated to helping young people overcome trauma, unlock their potential, and step into adulthood with confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging. We provide the opportunity for each young person to experience stability, a sense of identity and self-worth, and help prepare them for independent living.