Agenda item

This report will provide this Committee with an overview of accommodation for care leavers aged 18+, allocated within the 16+ Service.

Discussion:

The Committee received the report which provided an overview of accommodation for care leavers aged 18+, allocated within the 16+ Service.

Members then raised comments and questions including the following:

Staying put - it was asked what  support was offered to foster carers as part of the Staying Put scheme, and the Committee learnt that there was financial support in place for foster carers, it was lower than fostering rates and young people were expected to contribute to rent and living needs as a way to support their independence. There was also support offered by fostering colleagues with any issues.

Property allocations - assurance was sought that accommodation would be made available for care leavers at Mountbatten House as was originally intended, as it had been suggested that this was no longer the case. This location would be ideal for young people due to its central location and good connectivity. The Committee learnt that Upper Mount was being  developed by Medway Development Company, and it was likely that it would be purchased by the Council. This was a mixed bed development with 1,2, and 3 bedroom properties which meant that the site could not be just for care leavers.

The Local Lettings Plan was being drafted with negotiations still taking place  and there would be a number of units allocated for care leavers but would not look to allocate the larger properties to care leavers. Some of the allocations would likely be vacant properties and would involve moving a family into a larger space, which would free up their property, possibly for a care leaver.

Young Inspectors - the Young Inspectors Programme was commended for being a brilliant project and it was asked what scope there was for it to be replicated. The officer said that although this was a pilot project, there was confidence that within six months the benefits could be evidenced, and it was hoped that the project could be replicated across services. The project would be time limited for the individual as they should learn, inspect, pass through, and then mentor the next person  signed up for the projects. Conversations were taking place with Mid-Kent College on possible future qualification, that could be associated with the project.

Neighbouring authorities - in response to a question on how Medway compared with neighbouring authorities on speed of moving young people into supported accommodation, the officer said that young people had different needs, and the speed would be different for each child as addressing their need always took priority  which meant that speed was difficult to measure.

Suitability of accommodation - it was asked what challenge there were in  finding suitable accommodation, the Committee was informed that the housing department worked closely with children’s social care and regular conversations took place on the expectations and needs of the young person. There was no compromise made on standards, and if a property was offered that did not meet expected standards, this would be conveyed to the Housing Team.

Decision:

The Committee noted the information in relation to accommodation for care leavers.