Cambian, Britain's largest private child care home provider, cleared nearly £200 million in revenue last year.
But while the company has raked in profits, children in its homes have been physically abused by peers and made to live in poor conditions
buzzfeed.com/richholmes/car…
But while the company has raked in profits, children in its homes have been physically abused by peers and made to live in poor conditions
buzzfeed.com/richholmes/car…
Two years ago, Cambian’s stock price was down. Cambian embarked on a recovery plan: House more kids and spend less money.
As homes went begging for basic supplies, some employees say, kids were placed wherever there was room
As homes went begging for basic supplies, some employees say, kids were placed wherever there was room
Cambian vigorously denies this, saying that its budget-trimming did not affect the “services we provide to children”
Government inspectors have cited certain Cambian homes for being "poor quality" or "unhygienic." At one, inspectors noted fire risks that went unaddressed for two years.
At another home in the West Midlands, an inspector found “a young person’s sick” in a bedroom
At another home in the West Midlands, an inspector found “a young person’s sick” in a bedroom
The inspector reports often found staff members pushed to get these homes fixed but received little support.
Former employees speaking to BuzzFeed News echoed these claims. As one former worker put it: "It was just ‘money, money, money, money, money’"
Former employees speaking to BuzzFeed News echoed these claims. As one former worker put it: "It was just ‘money, money, money, money, money’"
Cambian said that it spends millions on repairs, and that there is no evidence that its homes perform worse than other homes around the country
Placing children in the wrong home can cause serious harm.
In one Cambian home, a staff member said a 10-year-old with autism was sent to live with two teens with a history of bullying. When she raised concerns, managers said it was “none of your business”
In one Cambian home, a staff member said a 10-year-old with autism was sent to live with two teens with a history of bullying. When she raised concerns, managers said it was “none of your business”
Cambian says it’s not aware of this incident, and even if it occurred, it would be an isolated case. The company does not “just fill beds” but takes care to ensure children are placed in the correct homes
Cambian's cost-cutting plan to raise the company's value has been a success — the company is now worth £340m.
But employees say homes were short staffed and several former workers said they worked 23 or 32 consecutive hours
But employees say homes were short staffed and several former workers said they worked 23 or 32 consecutive hours
Cambian said in a statement that its “overriding priority” is “the wellbeing and safety of the children and young adults in our care.”
Violence inside its homes is “rare,” the company said
Violence inside its homes is “rare,” the company said
In April, Cambian delivered a slick new brochure to its investors, declaring 2017 a strong year.
Revenue was up, and the company was filling beds at a higher rate, too. Cambian promised more of the same
buzzfeed.com/richholmes/car…
Revenue was up, and the company was filling beds at a higher rate, too. Cambian promised more of the same
buzzfeed.com/richholmes/car…
