Minutes:
The committee heard representations from a front line foster care manager and staff who provided an overview of staying put for the council. In foster care, a staying put arrangement is slightly different to a foster placement in that the young person staying put is no longer a looked after child. They are a young adult and care leaver. Staying put provides support to a care leaver and they are allocated a personal adviser.
Four case studies were outlined which provided evidence of staying put for Southwark, demonstrating continuity of care in a nurturing and care environment. In addition, some of the key points highlighted in these cases included:
· Young person felt part of their carers family
· Aspirational, many were attending university and other educational courses
· One in full time employment
· Positive sense of identity and heritage and proud of their background
· Close and trusting bond with their carers and feeling family is their own
· Independence and developing positive household routines (cooking and household chores to help with independence)
· Staying put provides a guarantee to support the young person in education.
Questions arising from presentation
· What happens to those not doing so well and how to understand the challenges and barriers that prevail. It was explained that if young person resides outside of Southwark, normal residence applies and they could apply to local housing within Southwark.
· Important to ensure that a pathway and long-term plan is in be place for the young person to overcome any challenges.
· The option of supported lodgings indicated for those young people who would like to stay put but are unable to do so.
· An officer raised the issue of the funding gap for staying put and the challenges for Southwark.
It was agreed that the copies of the case studies should be circulated to members of the committee. The committee heard representations from a front line foster care manager and staff who provided an overview of staying put for the council. In foster care, a staying put arrangement is slightly different to a foster placement in that the young person staying put were no longer a looked after child. They are a young adult and care leaver. Staying put provides support to a care leaver and they are allocated a personal adviser.
Four case studies were outlined which provided evidence of staying put for Southwark, demonstrating continuity of care in a nurturing and care environment. In addition, some of the key points highlighted in these cases included:
· Young person felt part of their carers family
· Aspirational, many were attending university and other educational courses
· One in full time employment
· Positive sense of identity and heritage and proud of their background
· Close and trusting bond with their carers and feeling family is their own
· Independence and developing positive household routines (cooking and household chores to help with independence)
· Staying put provides a guarantee to support the young person in education.
Questions arising from presentation
· What happens to those not doing so well and how to understand the challenges and barriers that prevail? It was explained that if a young person resides outside of Southwark, normal residence applies and they could apply to local housing within Southwark.
· Important to ensure that a pathway and a long-term plan was in place for the young person to overcome any potential challenges.
· The option of supported lodgings indicated for those young people who would like to stay put but are unable to do so.
· An officer raised the issue of the funding gap for staying put and the challenges for Southwark.
It was agreed that the copies of the case studies should be circulated to members of the committee.