Arborvitae Care Services

Arborvitae Care Services

Arborvitae Care Services is a specialised provider of therapeutic children’s residential care and social services across the Northwest of England. Guided by the Latin motto "Dum vita est, spes est" (While there is life, there is hope), the organisation focuses on empowering young people aged 8 to 17 who have complex emotional and behavioural needs.

Who They Are

Arborvitae Care positions itself as a "therapeutic sanctuary" for children. They are recognised for their Integrated Care Model, which combines safe housing with on-site clinical support and educational enrichment.

The organisation is led by a team committed to the "Every Child Matters" framework. They are noted for their ability to handle High-Acuity Placements, specifically for children who have experienced significant trauma or multiple placement breakdowns. In 2026, they have expanded their footprint by integrating more outdoor-based learning through their sister facilities, focusing on the mental health benefits of nature and physical activity.

They pride themselves on their Family-Style Environments; their homes are intentionally small (often only 2 or 3 beds) to ensure that staff can provide high-intensity, one-to-one attention in a domestic, non-institutional setting.

What They Do

Children’s Residential Care

The core of their service is providing long-term and emergency placements:

• Therapeutic Homes: Small-group living environments designed to feel like a stable family home.
• Crisis & Respite Care: Providing short-term placements for children in immediate need of a safe environment while long-term planning is conducted.

Educational & Activity Centres

Providing learning opportunities outside of traditional mainstream school:

• Arborvitae Training Centre: Offering vocational training and life-skills workshops for older teens preparing for independence.
• WoodMoore Activity Centre: A dedicated facility used for outdoor education, team-building, and therapeutic play.

Recruitment & Training

• Specialist Recruitment Agency: Operating an internal agency to ensure they have a constant pipeline of vetted, trauma-informed support workers.
• Staff Development: Providing specialised training in de-escalation and attachment theory for healthcare professionals across the Northwest.

Approach & Values

Arborvitae Care focuses on Resilience, Hope, and Attachment.

They prioritise Trauma-Informed Practice, meaning that every interaction is designed to build trust and repair the emotional damage caused by early-life instability. Their approach is Person-Centred; rather than forcing a child to fit a rigid program, they adapt the home’s routine and clinical support to meet the specific "branches" of that child’s needs.

A strong emphasis is placed on "Integrated Growth," ensuring that a child’s physical health, mental wellbeing, and academic progress are all managed under one unified care plan.

Industry Role

Arborvitae Care acts as a specialist capacity provider for local authorities across the North of England.

As a therapeutic specialist, the organisation plays a vital role in supporting the most vulnerable children who cannot be safely placed in foster care. They act as a strategic partner for Wigan Council, Manchester City Council, and Lancashire County Council, providing the high-level supervision and clinical intervention required to prevent children from entering secure units or hospitals.

They offer a nurturing and clinically-grounded care solution, making them a preferred choice for social workers looking for a "forever home" for children with the most complex SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) profiles.