Agenda item

This report provides an analysis of the performance data and trends for an agreed set of measures relating to looked after children on behalf of the Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee.

The Senior Performance Officer introduced the report which provided an analysis of the performance data and trends for an agreed set of measures relating to looked after children on behalf of the Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee.

In response to questions from the Committee, it was noted that:

-       23% of children in care had Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). The Committee also requested that the next update included the number of children in care who were waiting for an EHCP assessment.

-       It was explained that there was no fixed definition for ‘suitable accommodation’ but that the definitions for statutory returns included some examples could be circulated to the Committee.

-       In response to a question about those who ceased to be children looked after as they moved into independent living, the Head of Young Adult Service noted that these 18 young people had moved into their permanent accommodations with Homes for Haringey or Housing Associations. It was explained that there were 61 beds allocated annually for care leavers. It was noted that there were six 2 bed properties per year to accommodate a number of parents and to prevent overcrowding. It was confirmed that this allocation had been reached in this year, and in every year since it had been introduced.

-       In response to a question about furnishing homes, it was noted that care leavers were able to access a leaving care grant, called a Setting Up Home Grant, of up to £2,000. The Head of Young Adult Service explained that it was often difficult to fully furnish homes with this grant, particularly given recent and significant increases in flooring costs. It was added that it was possible for people to access the grant early, if it was assessed to be appropriate, in order to provide items that would help with transitioning into independent living.

-       The Head of Young Adult Service explained that there was also a programme for young people to prepare for independent living which was delivered from one of the flats, known as ‘The Money House’. This was a week-long programme which explained issues such as budgeting, how to check meters, and how to undertake some basic household tasks. There was also a partnership with Metrobank, who offered bank accounts and money management support, a Life Skills Accredited Scheme, where young people got certificates for every section completed, and Mental Health First Aiding with Mind, which helped young people to navigate mental health and identify when to seek support. It was highlighted that the programme was staged as much as possible based on the individual young people. The Committee noted that it would be beneficial to visit The Money House and that this could be organised outside of the meeting.

-       It was noted that the current cost of living crisis had significantly affected care leavers, a number of whom had lost their jobs due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Committee asked for a more detailed update on the costs and changing costs for care leavers to be presented at a future meeting. It was suggested that this report could be supplemented by hearing first-hand experiences from care leavers.

-       It was suggested that it would be beneficial to consider whether any local businesses, including flooring providers, would be willing to support care leavers. The Chair noted that it may be useful to include the Cabinet Member for House Building, Place-Making, and Development in these discussions.

-       It was acknowledged that independent living could be challenging and it was enquired what would happen for care leavers if they had any issues with their housing. The Director of Children’s Services noted that the Assistant Director for Safeguarding and Social Care would be presenting a report in the near future with some suggestions about strengthening the Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee role, possibly including some Sub-Committees for specific topics such as housing, and suggested that it might be appropriate for the Committee to wait for the outcome of that report.