Agenda item

The Strategic Manager for Looked After and Permanence presented a report and presentation on the Care Leavers’ Strategy and Action Plan which  included progress against key areas of focus (for copy see file of minutes).

The Strategic Manager explained that Pathway Plans have been improved to ensure young people are fully involved in them which helps to make these plans  functioning documents.  She spoke of how Durham is proud of the work ethos shown by young people and colleagues in DurhamWorks and the Corporate Management Team recognise this and are working to explore more opportunities for care leavers. 

The Panel noted that one of the main challenges for care leavers is accommodation.  Durham offers a wide range of accommodation including Staying Put, Staying Close, Supported Lodgings and semi-independent living, however, rates of pay can make it difficult for care leavers to access benefits therefore further work is being done to ensure that care leavers are not disadvantaged. 

Colleagues in health are mindful that young people are developing their skills, as young adults, to recognise when they need to see a doctor and it is important that they are supported to reach out and access that help. Therefore they continue to ensure health services are open and accessible for young people.

The Strategic Manager stressed that young people are not being prepared for ‘independence’, instead, they are being prepared for adult-life and being supported to establish successful relationships with others.

The Panel noted that a group of young people has been established to review the action plan and rate the offer against the national offer. An update on the matter will be brought to the Panel in the new year. 

Councillor Gunn thanked the Strategic Manager for the presentation and referred to hearing a national radio programme on the subject in which a care leaver commented that leaving care had been a ‘frightening’ experience.  She commented that a successful and supportive transition can pave the way for the quality of a care leaver’s life which highlights the importance of a successful strategy. Councillor Gunn expressed concern that actions require funding which is becoming more and more difficult whilst budgets are squeezed, not only locally but nationally.  

Resolved:

That the report be noted.