Minutes:
Update from the Children in Care Council
Helen Mulhearn, Operations Director, Investing in Children, provided an update on activities being carried out by the Children in Care Council including involvement in a key fund bid for which a fundraising event had been organised by young people, to be held at the Methodist Church, Durham in September. A group of young people had met with staff from the office of the Children’s Commissioner for England, to share their views. Helen advised that a full report was available and it was agreed that the report would be circulated with the minutes.
Councillor C Wilson referred to a business in Peterlee which was very proactive in encouraging disadvantaged and autistic young people to gain work experience across a diverse range of employment. The young people had been taught skills such as upholstery and they were assisted and encouraged to attend work placements, with a view to gaining employment. Employers are encouraged to consider the young people’s skills and abilities rather than solely how they perform at interview. Councillor Wilson agreed to pass the details to Helen Mulhearn.
Update on Care Leavers Challenge Action Plan
Carole Gill, Operations Manager, Looked After and Permanence, provided an update on progress against the issues identified by care leavers as part of the Care Leavers Challenge, which was presented to members at the meeting on 24 April 2017.
It was reported that a review of the provision of suitable housing had been carried out and care leavers had participated in this. Contracts with housing providers are being reviewed to provide more suitable, affordable housing for young people.
A great deal of work had been done in relation to mental health issues and actions included a mapping exercise to identify and localise services. There is strategic commitment to undertake work around the transition to adulthood and to share concerns with mental health services.
Work is taking place to extend the local offer, to make care leavers aware of what is available in their area, for example, leisure providers are being requested to improve access for care leavers, possibly through reduced gym membership fees. Work is also taking place to establish more job opportunities / apprenticeships for care leavers.
Transport costs have traditionally been a barrier for care leavers and transport providers were approached to see if a reduction in bus passes was available, however, this does not appear feasible due to the number of providers across the county.
To help address this, young people are being encouraged to access DurhamWorks which provides valuable support to vulnerable young people to enable them to access training and employment.
It was reported that there had been a 10% increase in the number of care leavers in employment, education and training (EET) aged under 18, and, an 11% increase in the number of young people in employment, education and training aged over 18.
The Operations Manager added that the achievements of care leavers are celebrated through the Epic Award which is held in October during Care Leavers’ Week. In conclusion, the Operations Manager advised that the current Ofsted rating for care leavers is ‘Good’, however, the aim was to achieve an ‘Outstanding’ rating.
Councillor Milburn asked whether social housing providers continued to be involved in housing provision and the Head of Children’s Services replied that the current contract is being reviewed and she added that work was ongoing with colleagues in the housing team and with the Family Intervention Project.
Councillor Milburn then asked how the apprenticeship offer by the Authority was progressing. The Head of Children’s Services informed members that the Chief Executive had encouraged all services to offer apprenticeships to care leavers. There is currently one apprenticeship in Children’s Services, three in Workforce Development and three within the Virtual School, one in administration and two learning support assistants.
Councillor Reed referred to Freedom Cards, saying how beneficial these had been and she expressed disappointment that the cards had only been available for a limited period. Helen Mulhearn of Investing in Children informed members that the restrictions on the Freedom Card have now been lifted and that all services were available. It was agreed that information on the Freedom Card should be recirculated to Local Authority foster carers.
Councillor Jewell commented that the overall objective is not only to provide assistance to care leavers but to ensure that care leavers have equal opportunities and to equip them with the skills which are essential to become independent young adults. Helen Mulhearn commented that the Drive project was a good example of such an initiative. The project provides one free driving lesson and the young person has to pay for the next lesson. This encourages money management and financial commitment from the young person.
Letter to Children and Families Minister
The Panel considered Cllr Brookes’ letter to the Children and Families Minister dated 24 April regarding disadvantages for care leavers highlighted by the ‘Care Leavers’ Challenge’.
The letter was forwarded to Damian Hinds, Minister for Employment and the Panel was presented with a copy of his response dated 5 June 2017 (for copy of letters see file).
The response provided details of the financial support for care leavers through the benefits system. Members noted that one of the benefits, the exemption from Shared Accommodation Rate, gives care leavers claiming housing benefit exemption until 22 years of age, however, this did not go far enough as the Local Authority is required to provide support to care leavers up to the age of 25, when in education. A response to the ministers highlighting this is to be considered.
The Head of Children’s Services informed the Panel that the Council offered a 100% exemption from Council Tax for care leavers living independently and a 50% exemption for a care leaver’s family member with a care leaver living within their household.