More support for Warwickshire’s young people in care
Warwickshire County Council is launching a new national pilot project called Wright2bCared4 which supports young people to stay in care until they are 18.
Warwickshire is one of 11 local authorities selected nationally to take part in ‘Warwickshire Right2bCared4’, a Government pilot scheme which will give young people a greater say over when they leave home and start living independently.
The County Council has forged a unique partnership with children’s charity Barnardo’s and have dedicated officers to provide specialised, individual assistance packages for young people to help them make informed choices.
Wright2bCared4 will provide a series of measures designed to improve the life chances of looked after children by providing more stability and the opportunity to raise educational attainment and employment opportunities.
Under the pilot, 14 to 18-year-olds will have access to respite residential activity schemes, help with finding suitable accommodation, use of independent services from Barnado’s and the services of a designated Youth Placement support worker.
Additional training on ‘corporate parenting’ will be given to social care staff, foster carers, service providers and other agencies to enhance their understanding and knowledge of children in care.
Warwickshire already runs a highly-rated care leavers programme and encourages young people to stay in care until 18. There are currently around 450 young people in care in the county.
The county will receive around £200,000 per year during the three-year pilot. Barnardo’s and Warwickshire will also be investing their own resources in the project.
This will include help to identify and secure high quality accommodation, direct support to address their day-to-day difficulties with their carers or their school, and providing respite accommodation for them should they need a break from their foster home in order to keep things on track.
During the course of the project Warwickshire County Council will share its findings with other local authorities across the country so that they can plan more effectively for young people in care.
Cllr Alan Farnell, Leader of Warwickshire County Council, said: “Once again Warwickshire’s Children’s Services is at the forefront helping the most vulnerable young people in our society.
“This project will help shape national policy on young people in care and I’m very proud that Warwickshire is launching this exciting project.
“The County Council has a strong partnership with Barnardo’s and this is proof that children’s services providers can work together to provide better outcomes for young people.
“Warwickshire’s aim is to narrow the gap between the outcomes of both looked after children and those raised by their own families. Wright2bCared4 will empower young people planning their lives and succeeding in education and employment.”
Warwickshire County Council is also taking part in the ‘Virtual Head’ pilot for children in care. The idea behind the two-year scheme is to give looked after children their very own ‘virtual’ school head, who acts as their education champion to ensure that they get the support they need to achieve their maximum potential.