Issue - meetings

Offer for Care Leavers

 

 

Meeting: 06/03/2018 - Cabinet (Item 5)

5 Care Leavers Offer and Supported Accommodation pdf icon PDF 382 KB

Minutes:

Background:

 

This report set out the changes to national policy and legislation in relation to young people leaving the care of the Council. This included a requirement for more innovative and effective services to be developed with and delivered for Care Leavers and an extended provision for Personal Advisor support for all Care Leavers up to the age of 25 years old.

 

The report stated that owing to the changes to the national policy and legislation the Council was required to reassess its services for young people leaving the care of the Council and publish a Care Leavers’ Offer by September 2018. A draft Offer was set out at Appendix 3 to the report.

 

The report noted that a Diversity Impact Assessment (DIA) would be undertaken as part of the process of finalising the Offer.

 

Decision number:

Decision:

The Cabinet noted the changes in national policy and legislation and the implications this may have on the Council, as set out in the report.

39/2018

The Cabinet approved Option 2 (publish a multi-agency, enhanced Offer co-produced with our Care Leavers), as set out in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the report, subject to suitable resources being identified.

40/2018

The Cabinet agreed to delegate authority to the Director of Children and Adults Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services (Lead Member), to finalise Option 2 if it can be provided within budget. However, if additional resources beyond New Burdens funding are required, a further report will be presented to Cabinet.

 

Reasons:

 

The decisions will enable the Council to fulfil its legislative duties for Care Leavers, ensure the services provided are both sustainable and fit for purpose, produce the outcomes required, and progress the Council to be inspection ready.

 

The Council Plan asks the Local Authority to “continue to play a major role in helping improve the lives of the people of Medway by getting them into work, improving education prospects, creating fantastic leisure and cultural opportunities and continuing to encourage healthy lifestyles and independent living.” This is even more relevant to the young people for whom Medway is the Corporate Parent.