Support Care Leavers
In July 2016 a governmental policy document was published; ‘Keep on Caring’ to support young people from care achieve independence. One of the key commitments in the paper was a strategic pledge to introduce ‘The Care Leavers Covenant’; a National Inclusion Programme supporting Care Leavers aged 16-25 to live independently.
Young people who leave care between the ages of 16 and 18 receive statutory support from the Local Authority. This includes the assignment of a personal advisor who helps to source accommodation and supports costs associated with education, training, and employment. However, to provide greater levels of support for the transition from care to adulthood, wider society needs to play a part.
Many Care Leavers are unprepared for independence, lack the resource to locate and achieve meaningful employment, lack social and emotional confidence, and lack the skills to successfully manage finances and domestic arrangements.
The Covenant supports Care Leavers by providing meaningful opportunities in five key areas:
> Independent Living.
> Education, Employment, and Training.
> Safety & Security.
> Mental & Physical Health.
> Finance.
The Covenant currently offers over 2,000 opportunities for Care Leavers covering employment, training, and holistic support, including home kits and refurbishments, free tickets, and discounts. Worcestershire employers can support the Covenant and get involved in a number of ways;
Sign the Care Leavers Friendly Employer Charter and provide employment-related offers, such as Work experience, Supported Internships, Traineeships, Apprenticeships, and other educational opportunities.
Become a signatory and share details on the offers and meaningful opportunities your organisation can provide to Care Leavers, such as discounted retail offers.
If you are a charity, voluntary organisation, public sector body, fostering and care provider/agency, or an education and social care specific organisation, sign up as a Care Leaver Covenant Partner. Working collaboratively with the Covenant to support Care Leavers successfully transition into adulthood.
To pledge your support and for more information about the Covenant please contact: CareLeaversDuty@worcschildrenfirst.org.uk or visit: Companies & Charities – Care Leaver Covenant (mycovenant.org.uk)