Issue - meetings

RESOLVED – That Executive:

(1)          approve and adopt the proposals set out at paragraph 1.6 to the report and that further consideration be given to how the Council might work with others across the County to support children in care and care leavers.

(2)          approve the District Council’s support and commitment to the development of a county wide ‘care leaver covenant’ as set out in paragraph 1.7 of the report.

Executive considered the report of the Portfolio Holder – Housing & Community Safety which sought approval for the Council to support and commit to a countywide District and Borough ‘Local Offer for Children in Care and Care Leavers’. Approval was also sought for the Council to support and to commit to the development of a countywide ‘Care Leaver Covenant’.

The District and Borough ‘Local Offer for Children in Care and Care Leavers’ included the following elements:

·              Council Tax Discount for Derbyshire Care Leavers (This element had been previously approved by Council in January 2019).

·              Active Fostering – Physical Activity Programme

·              Employment, Skills, Apprenticeships and Work Experience

·              Accommodation and Housing 

·              Marketing and Promotion

The report set out the rationale and the details for each element of the offer.

Members queried the level of funding from the County Council towards the Active Fostering Physical Activity Programme and were advised that the funding was calculated based on the number of participants which was limited.

It was also proposed that the District Council work collaboratively with Derbyshire County Council, other District/Borough Councils and other partners and stakeholders across the county to develop a ‘Derbyshire Care Leaver Covenant’. The Covenant was intended to be a promise made by the private, public and voluntary sectors to provide support for care leavers aged 16-25 to help them live independently.

Members praised the Joint Strategic Director – People for his work in relation to this report.

Moved by Councillor Sandra Peake and seconded by Councillor Mary Dooley

RESOLVED – That Executive:

(1)          approve and adopt the proposals set out at paragraph 1.6 to the report and that further consideration be given to how the Council might work with others across the County to support children in care and care leavers.

(2)          approve the District Council’s support and commitment to the development of a county wide ‘care leaver covenant’ as set out in paragraph 1.7 of the report.

REASON FOR DECISION:

To provide the right support, through raising awareness and promoting opportunities, to ensure that children in care and care leavers were capable of achieving their ambitions, aspirations and life goals.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED:

The publication of a local offer was a requirement for the local authority so there was no alternative but to approve an offer. The option to produce an offer just for this Council was rejected as it was considered that a joint offer would provide greater consistence, clarity and equity.

(Joint Strategic Director – People)