Children’s homes, some important background

From around 1901 to 2012 The Salvation Army ran a variety of homes for children and teenagers. The style and nature of these homes changed as society and the law changed its approach towards young people within the penal system. 

From the 1940s until the 1990s we ran around 20 Approved Schools or Probation Homes which were often an alternative to custodial sentences, although some children were sent to the homes by local authorities or their families. 

After 1973 some Approved Schools became known as Community Homes and in around 1981 some became Adolescents Units. 

Between 1945 and 1999 these homes accommodated around 15,000 children across the United Kingdom. The age range varied but was generally between 13 and 18. 

Giving children a second chance 

Although many children were sent to these schools and homes because they had broken the law, they were not designed to provide punishment. The Home Office wrote in 1971 that “the primary objects of approved school training are re-adjustment and social re-education in preparation for return to the community.” While The War Cry described the purpose of an approved school as “provid[ing] a means whereby young men can be trained to become good citizens, with special attention being given to moral and spiritual training, whilst recreational pursuits are not in any way neglected [1958]”. 

More information about the range of homes and schools provided by The Salvation Army can be found here in our Virtual Heritage Centre.

Homes in 1990s 

In the 1990s the homes moved towards providing a focus on independent living for older children, including practical skills such as budgeting, cooking, laundering, employment, and education. 

Being clear there are times when we have failed. 

The Salvation Army recognises that there are times in our past when the young teenagers placed in our care in these homes were not given the support and love they needed and deserved. 

The Salvation Army’s leaders in the UK and Ireland, Territorial Commander Commissioners Paul and Jenine Main have made a joint statement: 

“We want to acknowledge that there are times in our history when The Salvation Army has let down young people in our care and we are truly sorry. 

“We have read brave testimonies from those who have been able to speak out about their experiences and we are profoundly saddened by the hurt and suffering they have experienced. 

“Homes like Redheugh in Kilbirnie, Scotland were designed to provide a home to young teenagers who would otherwise be sent to prison or young offenders’ institutions. Many will have already had difficult and chaotic lives and needed security with support and the chance to start again but it’s clear we let some of these vulnerable young people down. 

“It’s important to be transparent and acknowledge the past but also to take action to change the future. Over the years, we have worked to strengthen our safeguarding training and procedures. This includes mandatory safeguarding training, a confidential whistleblowing line and wherever possible working with police to seek a conviction. 

“We also regularly share our records with Governments, researchers and individuals to allow learning and support schemes that offer redress and ensure those who suffered have a voice.” 

Seeking the truth 

There are currently processes underway to understand more about how young people were treated in different settings run by a variety of organisations.  

We welcome these formal inquiries as it’s important to ensure that those who suffered have a voice. We regularly provide evidence to formal inquiries and open up our archives to researchers and individuals. 

For example, we have provided evidence to The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) and more recently we are preparing to provide evidence to the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry. 

Find out more 

To find out more about the history of Salvation Army children’s homes or find out about our historical archive visit: International Heritage Centre | The Salvation Army 

If you want to report current or historic concerns about any Salvation Army setting, visit our page on Safeguarding.