Success story for improving care
Tuesday June 16, 2009
The number of young people leaving care in Hammersmith & Fulham involved in education or training or who have a job is well above the average, according to recent statistics.
The council has been improving year on year in providing opportunities for care leavers - and the figures show it. In 2006, just 59 per cent of 19-year-old care leavers were involved in education, training or employment, below the national average of 63 per cent. But last year that rose to 81 per cent - well above the average of 65 per cent.
The council has several teams that work closely with young people, many of whom are vulnerable, including those who are leaving care or are unaccompanied asylum seekers.
Councillor Antony Lillis, Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s cabinet member for community and children’s services said: “We make sure that these young people know how important it is to be involved in their neighbourhood and take part in productive day-time activities. This is incredibly valuable in developing skills and we encourage young people to take advantage of the opportunities that are available to them in the borough.”
This is done by the Leaving Care and Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children teams who create a plan of action with the young person for their future, specifically tailoring it to their needs. There is a focus on employment, education and training but there is also help with skills like literacy and preparing for job interviews.
Cllr Lillis added: “We make sure that our staff never give up on a young person, even if they do not initially want the help we offer, and instead we try to develop a wrap-around service which can accommodate their individual needs.
“There is continued support from the council even after young people have left our care, and we make sure we have reviews at three months and six months intervals, to find out how they are getting on. Students who go on to higher education are provided with a £3,000 grant as well as help with fares, books and materials.”
The Breakaway Group organised by the Leaving Care team is held regularly. This group work activity helps prepare young people to live independently, giving them the knowledge and skills they need when they leave the care system. Up to 50 per cent of the people who attend the group are not in employment, education or training and the group helps to enhance and develop their life skills.
There is also a Life Chances team which was set up to improve the outcomes for young people in the borough by focusing particularly on getting ‘hard-to-reach’ groups of young people into employment education, or training. The team is made up of teachers, nurses, personal advisors from Connexions and an education development worker who have been vital in making these schemes a success.
And there are even more opportunities on the horizon, as the council is setting up a new ‘virtual school’ for looked after children to make sure they get a first class education and the support they need. This will consist of a team of experienced teachers who will provide educational support and training to pupils, schools and carers, with a head teacher who will oversee the progress of all looked after children in schools.
