Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:            That the Council commits to taking action to meet the requirements of the Care Leavers Covenant.

Reason for Decision

To recognise the challenges faced by young people leaving/having left care and to take action which will have a positive impact on the quality of life for these residents in west Norfolk.

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Cabinet was presented with a report which explained that local authorities had a legal obligation to support care leavers under the Children & Social Work Act 2017.  The Care Leavers Covenant had been developed in response to the Government’s 2016 policy document “Keep on Caring” to support young people from care to independence.  Agreeing that the Council should undertake action to meet the requirements of the Care Leavers Covenant would provide a framework for developing the Council’s offer to Care Leavers in west Norfolk and demonstrate  commitment to helping those leaving/having left care to live independently.

Councillor Rust commended the report and referred to the fact that care leavers often ended up in the judicial system and weren’t in the position to have familial support when things got tough.

Councillor Squire commended the report and made reference to her earlier role on the Children’s Services Committee at the County Council commenting that care leavers were often vulnerable to being made homeless.  Councillor de Whalley commented that their challenges were multiplied since the pandemic.

Councillor Morley suggested a younger person means of contacting care leavers. 

Under standing order 34, Councillor Dark commented that he believed there would be a united view on care leavers and the challenges they faced.  He reminded members that previously at 18 care leavers were dropped by the system, which had now changed to continued involvement until 25.  He fully supported the proposal.

Under standing order 34, Councillor Kemp commented on the support needed for care leavers by the housing department and the need for general support and advice in a corporate parenting role.

RESOLVED:               That the Council commits to taking action to meet the requirements of the Care Leavers Covenant.

Reason for Decision

To recognise the challenges faced by young people leaving/having left care and to take action which will have a positive impact on the quality of life for these residents in west Norfolk.