Decision details

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which provided an update on the local and national ambitions to improve the lives of Care Leavers. The report also sought support for the ongoing work which was being undertaken with the aim of improving support for Leeds’ Care Leavers.

Members welcomed the submitted report, with reference being made to the support being provided to Care Leavers in response to the roll out of Universal Credit, the partnership approach which was needed to maximise the effectiveness of the support package and the ambition in Leeds to not only meet but exceed the new statutory requirements for Care Leavers.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the strong track record of Leeds’ support within our offer to care leavers, be noted, and that the direction and intentions to engage wider partners, services and stake holders in enhancing these services, including a whole Council commitment to improving outcomes for Care Leavers, be supported;

(b)  That the Board’s supports for the Council’s ambition to not only deliver the new national standards, but to go further to support Leeds’ Care Leavers as long as they need that support, be confirmed;

(c)  That a ‘Whole Council’ commitment for Care Leavers, with a clear and specific commitment from each directorate setting out how they will work to promote better outcomes for care leavers and support the shared principle of collective responsibility when answering ‘would this be good enough for my child’, be supported;

(d)  That the Care Leavers Offer, as detailed within the submitted report, be approved;

(e)  That it be noted that the Head of Service for Children Looked After is responsible for the implementation of such matters.