REPORT OF THE

EXECUTIVE LEAD MEMBER FOR

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

PART II

CARE LEAVERS' PASSPORT TO SUCCESS

1 The Executive Lead Member has given approval to develop, within the available resources, those services offered to young people in Local Authority care in their transition to adulthood and independence.

2 Between 80 and 100 young people leave care each year and are entitled to the services identified within the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000. The Act places a duty on the County Council to support these young people until the age of 21 or until 24 if they are still in education. The total number of care leavers presently supported by the Council is 450.

3 If a person is eligible under the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 and is not living with his/her family, they presently receive:

(a) a needs-led grant for household items when they move into independent accommodation and appropriate guidance in spending the grant effectively;


(b) support to find and maintain sustainable accommodation;


(c) support to obtain suitable home insurance;


(d) a mentor;


(e) support in accessing Higher Education and;


(f) achievements awards for reaching personal targets.

4 The Executive Lead Member's decision will enable Hampshire County Council and its partners to explore opportunities to develop the above provision so as to provide the eligible person with:

(a) a trust fund until he/she is twenty-one;


(b) a pass that gives discounted travel on local buses and trains;


(c) a pass that gives discounted access to facilities at his/her local leisure centre;


(d) additional support in managing his/her finances;


(e) a driving bursary e.g. up to a maximum of twenty lessons, one theory test and one practical test.

5 Eligibility for any of the items named above will be at the discretion of the personal advisor in the leaving care team, in consultation with the Team Manager and the Service Manager. The additional elements of the "Passport" will be phased in when funding and key elements have been identified. Where resources are limited, eligibility shall be determined on a needs-led basis decided by the Service Manager. The Children's Services Policy Review Committee welcome the development of the existing range of services for care leavers. Not only will the proposal aim to improve integrated working between departments within the County Council it will seek to enhance the joined-up approach between the statutory, voluntary and private sector.

6 The above decision supports aims 1, 3, 4 and 5 of the Corporate Strategy.

FELICITY HINDSON, MBE

Executive Lead Member for Children's Services

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