17.The Children Act provides for three types of children’s home: community homes (which include controlled and assisted community homes), voluntary homes and registered homes:
Community homes (Part VI of the Children Act) are provided by, or partly financed by, local authorities. Homes provided and financed by local authorities are known as maintained community homes. Homes provided by a voluntary organisation and partly funded by local authorities are known as controlled or assisted community homes. Community homes are not required to register but are inspected by local authorities.
Voluntary homes (Part VII of the Children Act) are provided by charities or other not-for-profit organisations (voluntary organisations). They are regulated by the Secretary of State.
Registered Children’s Homes (Part VIII of the Children Act) are provided by private individuals or companies for profit. They are registered by the local authority. Small private children’s homes which accommodate fewer than four children, are not required to register at present and are not inspected.