Agenda item

The draft scope for the scrutiny review on the ‘Local Offer for Care Leavers’ is attached. Officers from social care will present on the topic.

Alasdair Smith, Director , Children , Families and Adult Services; Andrew Fowler, Head of Service, Children's and Adults' Services and Jackie Cook, Head Of Social Work Improvement And Quality Assurance, Children's and Adults' Services presented.

A member asked about mental health. The Head of Social Work Improvement said there is a big need amongst Care Leavers, but often the counselling service is not  meeting their needs because  young people do not want to  always talk to professionals , but often someone they have a relationship with.  Loneliness is a big issue. 

Officers were asked about reducing resources and rising need. The Director said providing services for Care Leavers is a statutory duty, but this is in the context of increasing duties and reducing funds. He added that poorly supported Care Leavers will cost us more. The service is attempting to use the resources more cleverly: providing a day for young people to attend the office and also being more flexible about seeing young people who turn up without an appointment.

A member raised services for unaccompanied asylum seekers and asked if they get a personal adviser. Officers said that presently they did, however the forthcoming Immigration Act may change this. There may be a funding cut off at 18 years old. A legal briefing on this issue is anticipated.

Officers handed round Speakerbox publications and the “11 Golden Rules for Professionals”, which were appreciate by the committee.

A member asked about participation in Speakerbox. There are some young people who want to come, others who prefer one to one discussions. It does take effort to get engagement. There is a wider engagement of about 140 young people who are engaged in some way.

Officers were asked about the volume of Care Leavers. Officers said that 80 and 90 young people graduated every year. 

Officers were asked about outcomes and relationships. The earlier children entered care,  generally the better outcome.