Agenda item

The Children and Social Work Act 2017, require local authorities to publish a ‘Care Leaver Offer,’ setting out the services available to care leavers within the local authority area.

Emma Cummergen (Head of Young Adult Service) introduced the report, as set out in the agenda.

Jim Pomery (Policy Team Manager) outlined the ‘Our Offer to Haringey’s Care Leavers’ PDF document, which was a slightly amended version from the one that was included in the agenda pack. It was confirmed that this reflected minor design details and that the content itself had not changed.

Ms Cummergen added that she was very aware that the document would need to be constantly updated, following publication

Officers responded to questions from the Committee:

·                    In response to a question regarding the benchmarking with other Local Authorities, it was stated that the Ofsted rating was only a small part of the judgement. It was explained that some authorities were doing different things to others and vice versa, which often made it difficult to compare. Following the research with other boroughs, it was found that Haringey had a strong baseline, with some other boroughs being better resourced and therefore being able to offer more.

·                    It was recognised that it would be useful to reflect the transgender population in the document and to show commitment in this area. An easy read version was good feedback and the team would look at how best to provide this. Ms Cummergen added that they were continuing to consult with young people to get their feedback and any further ideas on how to improve the document going forward.

·                    In response to a question regarding the independent advocate, it was confirmed that this was provided by Barnados, which was a commissioned contract who the Council had worked with for many years. With regard to travel, it was stated that the young person’s personal advisors and case workers would advocate appropriately the best mode of transport for them to attend their apprenticeships and also teach them independence for when they needed to arrange this for themselves. 

·                    Page 50 – In response to concern that there was no mention of outdoor activity in the mental and physical wellbeing section, it was stated that the rationale was to outline services that they had on offer and that all of the borough’s parks and sports facilities were detailed on the My Haringey map.

·                    Page 51 – Drugs and Alcohol – Insight Haringey – it should state professional and confidential and not professional and confident.

·                    Page 53 – 4^th bullet point should state the Department of Work and Pensions.

·                    Page 54 – in response to a question regarding the £20 clothing allowance, it was confirmed that this was a monthly allowance and would be made clearer in the document, if required. 

·                    In response to a question regarding the complaints procedure, it was explained that there were various routes which the young people would be informed of by their personal advisors and social workers, and would come direct to the Council.

Officers confirmed that the administration errors referred to would be corrected in the published document.

RESOLVED:

That the Local Offer for Care Leavers be noted and endorsed.