As corporate parents, we are committed to providing the same care, support and opportunities that every child should have. We will support care leavers to achieve positive outcomes, build independence and thrive in adulthood.
We recognise care experience as a protected characteristic within Westmorland and Furness Council. We are committed to ensuring that care-experienced young people and adults:
- are treated fairly
- have equitable access to services and opportunities
- are not disadvantaged because of their care experience
As signatories to the Care Leaver Covenant, we work with partners across the public, voluntary and business sectors. This work helps increase opportunities and support for care leavers, helping them to access employment, education, training, housing, health services, leisure activities and community connections.
We will:
- listen to care leavers and act on their views
- promote positive outcomes in education, employment, training, health, housing and relationships
- support care leavers to develop independence and achieve their ambitions
- challenge discrimination and barriers to opportunity
- celebrate achievements and successes
- work with local partners to deliver the commitments set out in the care leaver covenant
Care leavers are active partners in shaping and improving this Local Offer through:
- participation groups
- consultations
- feedback activities
- representation within governance arrangements
The Corporate Parenting Board oversees the delivery of this Local Offer. It monitors outcomes for care leavers and holds council services and partner agencies accountable for meeting their commitments. We review the Local Offer regularly with care leavers to ensure it remains relevant, accessible and responsive to their needs.
We will regularly publish You Said, We Did updates to demonstrate how care leavers' feedback has influenced services and led to positive change.