Published: Monday, 5th February 2024
To recognise the challenges faced by young people leaving or having left care in west Norfolk the borough council is taking action to support the Care Leavers Covenant.
The Covenant, which was established in response to the Government’s policy document ‘Keep on Caring’, is a promise made by organisations to provide support for care leavers aged 16-25 to help them to live independently.
Cllr Jo Rust, Cabinet member for People and Communities, said:
“We know many care leavers have faced difficult experiences throughout their lives. Our Care Leavers Covenant is a demonstration of our intention to try to make a positive difference going forward. We want to help care leavers be better prepared and supported to live independently, and the Covenant provides a framework for us to develop our local offer to help achieve this.”
The Council has already taken some steps to support care leavers, including:
- Offering a Council Tax discount scheme for care leavers up to age 25.
- Providing advice/guidance about housing.
- Introducing a guaranteed interview scheme for job vacancies within the council.
Cllr Rust added:
“To progress this work Officers are already developing links with Norfolk County Council’s corporate parenting team to help develop a joined up approach and share best practice to support Care Leavers. An officer working group has been established to develop what we can offer locally, and we will also be looking at the Care Leaver Friendly Charter for employers.”
Any young person in care and anyone who is care experienced can find out more about the support which is already available to them through Norfolk Right Direction, which is the County Council’s app for care experienced young people in Norfolk. The app offers a range of information and advice, with links to local service providers. It is available for Apple or android devices. The Care Leavers Covenant app is also available to download.