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The local authority view: current looked after children policy and outcomes

The local authority view: current looked after children policy and outcomes. Andrew Christie Director of Children’s Services London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham. The Hammersmith & Fulham Story. 28 care leavers attending HEIs 180 care leavers being supported by the borough

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The local authority view: current looked after children policy and outcomes

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  1. The local authority view: current looked after children policy and outcomes Andrew Christie Director of Children’s Services London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham

  2. The Hammersmith & Fulham Story • 28 care leavers attending HEIs • 180 care leavers being supported by the borough • 16% of the care leaver population at HEIs • 82% are unaccompanied asylum seekers

  3. The support we provide • Social workers: support applying for grants; accommodation; applying for jobs • Specialist Education Worker and Benefits Adviser • £3k p.a. grant • Choice of HEIs: affordable accommodation; support networks; career choices

  4. CHILDREN’S SOCIAL CARE SIFT, ASSESS RESPONDSIGNPOST CHILD PROTECTION AND SUPPORT IN COMMUNITY POST CARE SUPPORT CARE FOR LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN Ex care population aged 18 to 24 LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN Total today 265 over a year 385 Public Law Outline Adoption and permanent placement (20 – 25) permanency order financial support 180 2nd option CONTACTS 8861 REFERRALS 1719 Initial Assessment 1421 Core assessment 692 Child protection enquiry 453 Initial child protection Conference 153 By agreement 90 Support to Families Where children In Need 244 And Disabled children 200 Child protection Plan 210 40 Looked after till 18th birthday 35turn 18 a year) Post care support 220 Care proceedings 90 Care orders 100 3rd and Final option If children can’t return home or be placed permanently 1st option Increasing concern Return home (35)

  5. The care population in Hammersmith & Fulham • 237 children in care • 14% attain 5 A*-C inc English & Maths (cohort 28 – 7 didn’t take exams – “second time around”) • Virtual School – Head (ex-Special School Head) staffed by teachers • Outcomes for children in care?

  6. Policy / Practice / Issues • 28% cut in funding over next 3 years • No funding following ‘Staying On’ • Increasing use of “Special Guardianship” in “Permanency” • Increasing proportion of children in foster care, not placed with relatives/friends in Independent Fostering Agency placements • Secure attachment a key issue – facing the challenges of Higher Education • “Learn to Earn” • Social Work courses in HEIs

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