Before Officers introduced the report the Chair invited the Care Leavers present if they wished to talk directly to Councillors about their experience of being in care and any issues they wished to raise with the Committee. Each of the Care Leavers introduced themselves and explained their care experiences.

Members heard how one of the care leavers was now in her last year at university and was training to become a Social Worker. Another explained he had been in the care system since 2016 as part of the aftercare team and lived in semi-independent accommodation; he further explained that he had previously been homeless before coming into care but was now focusing on his studies and getting back into education.

Members heard how one young person was in care for 5years and was now back living with her family.

Following discussions the Chair thanked the young people for attending the meeting and for sharing their experiences and thoughts about the service with the Committee. All of the care leavers chose to remain for the meeting.

The Strategic Lead for Looked After Children then presented the report, in doing so, she explained the Children and Social Work Act 2017 required each Local Authority to consult on and publish a local offer for its Care Leavers.  It was highlighted that the Councils Local Offer was to support young people leaving the care of Thurrock Council. The offer was focused on achieving the best outcomes for care leavers and providing all young adults leaving care in Thurrock with the best possible chance of success.

Members heard Officers held an event in August to consult with the young people leaving the care of the Council to see what they thought should be included within the document. It was confirmed that all young people received a copy of the Local Offer and the document will be subject to review annually.

The Committee were taken through the report with the Strategic Lead for Looked After Children touching on points such as the Charter for care leavers in Thurrock and a summary of the Local Offer, which included the care leavers covenant, support with finding a home, Education, Employment and training as well as financial support.

Members noted it was important to understand the history of each individual leaving care and that the Council was committed to supporting them through the new challenges they would be facing as adults with personalised plans.

Councillor Akinbohun sought clarity on the focus groups which were held with Care Leavers. Janet Simon explained that she was setting up a series of focus groups with care leavers to hear their voice and for them to influence service provision for them. The focus group in July reviewed the local offer for care leavers. Care leavers will lead on the topics for future focus groups.

Councillor Chuckwu enquired as to the support offered to young people who might be struggling with addiction.  It was remarked that there was support for care leavers from a personal adviser and specialist support services in place. Referrals are made as appropriate for the young person, however if they were not ready to accept the help given to them; then they would and could refuse the support.

Members were notified that the Council would always be there for its young people when they were ready to accept help and support, even if it had been refused previously. 

RESOLVED:

That the Members of the Committee were informed about Thurrock’s Local Offer to Care Leavers.