Agenda item

Karen Robb, Strategic Manager for Looked After and Permanence, introduced a report and delivered a presentation on the local offer for care leavers including information on statutory entitlements and discretionary support provided by the authority (for copy of report and presentation see file of minutes). 

The Panel noted that meetings are ongoing to discuss the possibility of extending Freedom Cards to over 18s and to improve the subsidised travel offer.  The Strategic Manager for Looked After and Permanence informed the Panel that 23 care leavers are studying at university and the number of care leavers gaining apprenticeships with the Council continues to rise.  Work is being done with colleagues in Human Resources and Durham Works to increase training and employment opportunities.  The Chief Executive and Corporate Management team continue to support care leavers and a care leavers strategy report is to be considered by the Corporate Management Team in July.

The Local Offer for Care Leavers is available on the Council’s website and the Children in Care Council website.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.